The moment your video call freezes, or a hospital system lags, or an airport check-in stalls, it’s usually not the device that failed. It’s the network.
And someone has to fix it.
That’s where network engineers come in. They’re the ones who keep the internet from breaking. They build and maintain the invisible systems that carry our data, our money, our emergency responses, and our lives.
From Fortune 500 companies to city governments, no organization can function without a secure, reliable network, and that makes skilled network engineers really valuable.
Right now, there aren’t enough of them.
As more businesses move to the cloud, adopt remote work, and strengthen their cybersecurity posture, the gap between open roles and qualified professionals is only getting wider.
For you, that means more opportunities to get hired, to grow, and to earn a solid living in a career that doesn’t get outsourced or automated.
And you don’t need a computer science degree to get there. You need the right training, a certification or two, and a curious mind for how things connect and how to keep them running.
In this article, we’ll show you what the job market looks like, what kind of salary is out there, and how to start moving toward a career that’s as in-demand as it is essential.
Want to see what that path could look like? Explore our Network Engineering Bootcamp: built for beginners, taught by experts, and designed to get you job-ready.
Why is Demand for Network Engineers Growing?
Every time a business moves to the cloud, rolls out remote access, tightens its cybersecurity, or adopts faster wireless tech, it increases the need for professionals who know how to build, secure, and optimize the networks that make all of it possible.
Several key trends are driving increased hiring:
- Cloud Adoption: As businesses migrate to cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, they need network engineers to configure and maintain secure, scalable cloud infrastructures.
- 5G Deployment: Telecom and enterprise IT teams are building next-gen networks to support faster data speeds and more devices—creating demand for professionals with up-to-date networking skills.
- Cybersecurity: Network engineers play a frontline role in securing enterprise networks against evolving threats, especially in hybrid and remote work environments.
- Edge Computing: As devices process more data locally, networks must be optimized to manage bandwidth, latency, and reliability in real time.
These changes require not only more engineers, but also engineers who are trained in modern protocols, tools, and security standards.
Outdated skills won’t cut it.
To be competitive, you’ll need to know how to work with modern tools, current protocols, and up-to-date security standards. In other words: if you’re trained on the systems companies are using right now, you become more hireable because you’re crucial to the foundation of these systems.
A Career Path with Strong Demands
Network engineers—especially those with certifications—are seeing growing salaries, with entry-level roles often starting between $60,000–$150,000. Mid-level engineers earning $100,000+ with the right experience and credentials.
Beyond salary, network engineering offers:
- Clear advancement paths, from support technician to network architect
- Industry mobility, with roles in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, government, and more
- Remote and hybrid job options, especially for cloud and infrastructure engineers
Breaking into network engineering doesn’t require a traditional four-year degree. What employers are really looking for are proof-of-skill credentials and hands-on experience that align with real-world job duties.
Certifications validate your foundational knowledge in networking concepts, while hands-on practice with configuring routers, switches, and firewalls shows that you can do more than just pass a test.
A working knowledge of protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, and OSPF—as well as a grasp of cybersecurity principles and automation tools—can make your resume stand out in a competitive market.
That’s why accelerated programs like the QuickStart Network Engineering Bootcamp are ideal for learners who want to enter the workforce quickly. In just 18 weeks, students build practical skills through immersive labs, simulations, and mentorship from industry professionals.
The curriculum is aligned with current hiring needs and certification standards, giving graduates both the confidence and the credentials to succeed in entry-level roles. It’s a direct path into a high-demand career, no degree required.
|
Research Source |
Recent Market Size |
2030/2031 Projected Value |
What That Means |
| Grand View Research |
$44.1 billion |
$77 billion |
Strong growth, nearly doubling by 2030 |
|
$48.7 billion |
$76.3 billion |
FFast-growing, steady demand |
|
| Precedence Research |
$52.1 billion |
$104.2 billion |
More than double the market size |
| Lucintel |
Not listed |
$83.7 billion |
Industry continues growing rapidly |
| Allied Market Research |
$43.7 billion |
$111.7 billion |
Fastest growth projected 150%+ increase |
Key Network Engineer Skills Employers Seek
Network engineering roles are becoming more specialized and dynamic, and employers are looking for candidates who can do more than just plug in cables. Today’s network engineers must blend technical expertise with communication and problem-solving abilities.
Remember: you don’t get hired for potential. You get hired because you can solve problems.
These are the skills that prove you’re not just another résumé in the pile. You’re ready to build, troubleshoot, and keep systems running when it counts.
In-demand network engineering skills include:
- Network design and troubleshooting using platforms like Cisco and Juniper
- Cloud networking knowledge across AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud environments
- Network security fundamentals, including firewalls, access controls, and VPNs
- Familiarity with emerging tech such as SD-WAN, 5G infrastructure, or IoT connectivity
- Soft skills like effective communication, collaboration, and technical documentation
The most competitive network engineers combine foundational networking knowledge with an evolving understanding of modern tools and platforms. By focusing on these core skills—and continually upskilling as technology changes—you’ll be better equipped to meet employer expectations and grow within the field.
How to Qualify for Network Engineer Roles
In tech, skills are currency. And the more fluent you are in the right ones, the more value you bring to the table.
But breaking into tech with network engineering doesn’t require a computer science degree. What matters most is proving you can do the job.
That means earning certifications, completing hands-on training, and demonstrating the ability to work effectively on real-world tasks in a team setting.
Employers want candidates who understand both the technology and the context in which it’s used. Key ways to get qualified include:
- Certifications: Begin with CompTIA Network+ and progress to Cisco CCNA or CCNP, or specialize with cloud certifications like AWS or Azure Fundamentals
- Bootcamps: Enroll in career-focused programs like QuickStart’s Network Engineer Bootcamp, which offers instructor-led labs, AI implementation, peer collaboration, and includes exam prep with vouchers
- Real-world practice: Build troubleshooting experience in simulated environments and develop soft skills for teamwork, documentation, and communication
The Vacancy Talent and Training Gap
Here’s the problem. The growing number of network engineer vacancies isn’t just due to a shortage of interest.
It’s a result of insufficient training that aligns with current industry demands.
Because most candidates aren’t trained on the modern systems companies rely on today, that’s where the opportunity lies. Companies need people who are ready to learn fast and step into roles that can’t afford to stay unfilled.
Many job seekers hold outdated certifications or academic credentials that didn’t include practical experience with cloud networking, cybersecurity resilience, or emerging technologies like software-defined networking (SDN) and automation.
And as enterprise infrastructure rapidly evolves, hiring managers are prioritizing candidates who can demonstrate up-to-date, applied skills—not just theoretical knowledge.
QuickStart addresses this gap with career-aligned training programs, which bridge the divide between classroom learning and workplace readiness. Learners gain hands-on experience through virtual labs that mimic real enterprise environments, build confidence in cloud and security tools, and receive career coaching tailored to today’s job market.
Plus, with focused instruction, mentorship, and included CCNA certification prep, QuickStart equips students to meet employer expectations and step directly into in-demand roles.
Find a Future in Network Engineering
Every system that connects us—healthcare, finance, education, even emergency response—relies on networks that can’t afford to fail. That’s why network engineers are the technicians, the essential operators in a world that runs on connection, speed, and security.
If you’re looking for a career where your skills have a real-world impact, and where demand isn’t slowing down, network engineering is a path worth pursuing.
QuickStart’s Network Engineer Bootcamp gives you the tools to get there: hands-on training, certification preparation, and real-world labs designed around what employers need today.
Ready to step into one of the most critical roles in tech? Explore the bootcamp and start building your future.