Learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities, required skills, salary potential, and common qualifications of a computer network professional. Dive into statistics on industry growth, weekly hours, and future employment opportunities.
Overview
Computer network professionals ensure optimal performance of a business’ network architecture. Their daily tasks typically include assessment, analysis, configuration, and monitoring of network infrastructure, troubleshooting for any issues and pinpointing areas for potential improvement.
They may also produce documentation for network inventory, modifications, and maintenance instructions; as well as recordings for any diagnoses performed and fault resolutions.
Network professionals are essential to IT support, and spend much of their time communicating with clients (usually online or over phone) – assessing any network problems they may be experiencing and taking steps to troubleshoot or resolve the incident(s).
Employment for computer network professionals is expected to grow very strongly in the coming years – from 47,100 in 2019 to 53,400 in 2024.
Key Skills
Sharp attention and analytical skills to accurately diagnose and troubleshoot networks
Excellent communication skills for assisting or training system users
Ability to multi-task, as problem calls or incidents may appear simultaneously
Ability to problem-solve in a fast-paced environment
Expansive knowledge of computers, electronics, and engineering
Strong inductive and deductive reasoning skills
Quick Facts
Computer network professionals can find work in most regions of Australia, with New South Wales currently holding the largest share of workers. Weekly salary potential is currently higher ($2,021) than the all job average ($1,460) with plenty of opportunity for full-time work.
Salary Range
$41,000 - $76,000 (Median: $57,000)*
*Source: Payscale
Average Weekly Hours
42 hours (vs. all jobs average of 44 hours)*
*Source: Job Outlook
Main Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Information Media and Telecommunications and Education and Training
Most Common Qualification Level
37.8% hold a Bachelor’s Degree
STUDY PATHWAYS
Getting the skills you need is simple by studying one of our information technology courses below.
ICT40120 - Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking)
ICT50220 – Diploma of Information Technology (Back End Web Development)
ICT50220 – Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking)
*Sources: payscale.com.au and joboutlook.gov.au – All information is to be used as a guide only, and are accurate at the time of publication.
