Job outlook for Network+ cert holders [2022 update]

The CompTIA Network+ credential has been around for a long time and received ANSI accreditation back in 2008, making it a valuable certification for entry-level IT practitioners who have at least 9-12 months of experience and are looking to develop a career troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks. 

What sets this credential apart from others covering similar topics is the fact that it prepares professionals to support networks on any platform. Its focus is on hands-on skills and the specific knowledge currently needed to implement wired and wireless network solutions; troubleshoot network connectivity issues; identify and mitigate vulnerabilities and harden networks against threats.

This article will look into the current job outlook for Network+ certification holders and how the credential will make it easier and help you get ahead in your career as a systems administrator, systems engineer, network administrator or network support specialist. So, if any of these professions are of interest, read on about target job roles, occupation opportunities and average salary.

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What kind of jobs can I get with the Network+ certification?

The new version of CompTIA Network+ focuses on several important topics for IT networks professionals. Network architecture has been added to ensure candidates are well-versed in network integration with the cutting-edge technologies used in deployments. Network performance monitoring and high availability were emphasized, and network hardening against current attacks and unintended data breaches. Emerging wireless standards were also added to bring professionals up to speed with the latest deployment needs.

The wide scope of the exam allows certified professionals to excel in many different types of jobs. It is relevant not only for any professionals responsible for configuring, managing and securing wired and wireless networks deployed by organizations but also for those in help desk and customer support positions and management and decision-making roles.

What are the most common Network+ job titles and descriptions?

Achieving your Network+ certification creates many opportunities for you as you carve a path for yourself in the IT landscape, which means that there are many different possible jobs that you can find yourself holding after becoming Network+ certified.  

For example, IT networking specialists (building and designing communication networks) and network support specialists (analyzing, troubleshooting and evaluating computer network problems) are some of the roles that can benefit from earning this credential. And a network operations venter yechnician (engaging in troubleshooting all problems that may arise), datacenter support technician (responding to alarms caused by faults and failures on critical network systems) and telecommunications technician (dealing with switches, routers and network cabling).

Let's take a more detailed look at some of the job titles you might expect to land.

Systems administrator

This position is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting and operating a company's networking environment and computer systems. Principally, systems administrators keep a company's IT systems running and are responsible for making sure that the systems that rely on the network are all functioning properly and that networking equipment such as routers and switches are administered correctly and kept in working order. The Network+ helps develop a solid foundation of computer networking and IT infrastructure skills and is one of the certifications that can better equip you to start on your path to systems administration.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensures all company hardware and applications are running smoothly
• Supports and maintains company-wide software applications
• Keeps critical system patches and operating system updates in line with best practices
• Administers and manages user profiles

Systems technician

This position is normally a little more hands-on than a system administrator role, meaning that tasks such as cabling, patching, wiring and hardware installation feature a little more prominently than merely maintaining the software or hardware side of systems on your network. 

The Network+ teaches a lot of IT infrastructure and networking knowledge, so it is a great option for professionals in this role.

Responsibilities include:

• Cabling, patching and rack installations
• Handling end-user computer issues such as network settings, cabling and configurations
• Maintaining network applications and systems
• Performing light administrative tasks such as user account creation and unlocks

Network engineer

This position is responsible for building and designing communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and intranets. Network engineers can benefit from this credential to gain the basic knowledge needed to get started in the role. The Network+ suits many tech professionals because it is a vendor-neutral certification that teaches concepts rather than product — or brand-specific fundamentals.

Responsibilities include:

• Designing, managing, fault-finding and rolling out networks
• Analyzing network performance, traffic and utilization
• Planning and predicting expansion and retraction of networks
• Taking an active role in cybersecurity

Network administrator

With its wide-ranging scope in the field of networking, Network+ shows employers that you have the skills to succeed as a network administrator. This position is responsible for maintaining network devices and configurations while ensuring that all connections remain active and stable. They also work closely with service providers to ensure maximum uptime for all mission-critical systems and networks.

Responsibilities include:

• Installing and maintaining network hardware and software
• Diagnosing, troubleshooting and resolving connectivity problems
• Establishing network file permissions and access for users and applications
• Maintaining network performance for optimal performance and stability

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What kind of salary increase can I expect after getting Network+ certified?

Earning the Network+ certification can help you receive a salary increase in your position and give you access to more lucrative roles as you start your career in IT networking. According to PayScale, the average pay for a professional who is Network+ certified is $69,000 per year. Let's look in more detail at the salary for different roles as of December 2021:

Understanding the effect of Network+ on salaries 

Note that many factors can determine your actual compensation, including years of experience, knowledge, education or specialized training, performance and geographic location. Several companies are also giving additional pay in exchange for formal certification.

When looking at the Salary Survey 2022 by the Certification Magazine, the average salary for Network+ holders in the United States is reported as $102,580 and $98,220 worldwide.

As you explore IT career path options, you can use the CompTIA IT Salary Calculator to estimate your potential earnings and worth during your job search.

With employment trends indicating that employees with network certifications are in high demand, why not take the first step on a learning path by preparing to acquire this credential. Getting certified is easier with many different preparation options, from self-study to instructor-led classes or intensive boot camp training from reputable IT training institutions. The job growth and potential earnings (see average Network+ salary) you can expect in the field are worth exploring.

Without a doubt, being certified can help make you more competitive in the job market; therefore, if you're considering any of the mentioned careers in this article, look into the CompTIA Network+ certification to build a strong foundation for your career progress.

Sources:

• Network+, CompTIA
• Jobs You Can Get with CompTIA Network+, CompTIA
• What Kind of IT Jobs Can You Get with IT Certifications?, CompTIA
• What Jobs Can I Get with CompTIA Network+ Certification?, CompTIA
• Salary Survey Extra: Deep Focus on CompTIA Network+, Certification Magazine
• Network and Computer Systems Administrators, Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Salary for Certification: CompTIA Network+, PayScale
• Calculate Your Potential IT Salary, CompTIA
• IT Career Center, CompTIA
• Salary Survey 2022: An all-new Salary Survey 75, Certification Magazine