Networking Analyst Schools, Salaries, and Job Data
Networking Analyst Job Overview
We rely on networks when we surf the internet, talk on cell phones or landlines, send emails or faxes, watch television or use ATMs. Network analysts manage these complex hardware systems, wires and signals that support business throughout the world. They design, test and evaluate systems such as local area networks and wide area networks. Analysts perform network modeling, analysis and planning, often requiring both hardware and software solutions. They may also research related products and make necessary hardware and software recommendations.
Networking Analyst Schools and Degrees
Networking analysts should have a bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science or Information Science. Most colleges and independent technical institutes offer an associate’s degree in computer science or a related information technology field. Coursework is divided between class time and lab time. Industry standards require networking analysts to have a certification in network technologies and software.
Job Requirements
Formal education in business, project management and Internet commerce is preferred by most employers. An MBA degree with emphasis on computer science or an MIS degree combining business and information technology is advantageous. Employers usually look for people who have broad knowledge and experience related to computer systems and technologies, strong problem-solving and analytical skills and good interpersonal skills. Courses in computer science or system design help prepare for a networking analyst job. For a scientifically oriented organization, s background in any of the physical sciences, applied mathematics or engineering is preferred. In a business environment, management skills are more helpful.
Networking analysts should be able to think logically and possess good communication skills. As they usually work as part of a team, they should be able to communicate effectively with computer personnel and with people who have no technical background. They should possess a high degree of concentration and should pay close attention to detail.
Nature of Work
Networking analysts identify the needs of clients and then plan and build networks according to their requirements. They need to design secure networks that transfer data quickly and reliably and regularly test and upgrade networks for security and quality. They work in offices and labs with comfortable environments. Networking analysts work as full time employees or self-employed consultants and spend a considerable about of time telecommunicating, allowing more work to be done from remote locations through modems, laptops, email and the Internet.
Networking Analyst Jobs and Outlook
According to research in 2006, networking analysts held about 262,000 jobs in the U.S. That number is expected to grow by 53% during the next ten years. Employment is the highest in the following industries:
Computer Systems Design and Related Services
Insurance Carriers
Local Government
Management of Companies and Enterprises
Wired Telecommunications Carriers
The mean hourly wage for networking analysts in the US is about $34.02, while the mean annual salary is around $70,760.
Job Numbers and Growth
Nationally, there are 262,000 networking analysts. The occupation is characterized by a low joblessness level. The unemployment rate for employees was 4% in 2008.
Area Job Conditions
Looking at networking analysts per capita, Tallahassee (Florida), Fayetteville (Arkansas), and Washington (District of Columbia) rise to the top of the list. Elkhart (Indiana), Hickory (North Carolina), and Gary (Indiana) have the fewest per capita.
The highest salaries for workers are in and around San Jose (California), Edison (New Jersey), and Newark (New Jersey). The lowest-paying areas are Shreveport (Louisiana), Coeur d'Alene (Idaho), and Medford (Oregon).
Training and Education
Successful employees find it useful to have a bachelor's degree. According to recent surveys, 57% of networking analysts had received a degree. Workers with some schooling beyond high school, but not a college degree, total about 35%. A high school degree was all that was needed for 8% of employees. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.
Part-Time Work and Self-Employment
Networking analysts working less than full time, whether by design or chance, were 9% of the total. If you have this occupation and work on your own rather than for another company, you are part of the 18% of workers who do so.
Networking Analysts by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.