This article will introduce you to what a Senior Network Operations Engineer is, the career information and prospects of a Senior Network Operations Engineer and the necessary conditions to become a Senior Network Operations Engineer.

1. What is a Senior Network Operations Engineer？

A senior network operations engineer is an IT staff member who handles the computer systems and networks of an organization or enterprise, ensuring that all network operations run smoothly.Senior network operations engineers need to have a deep understanding of programming languages, protocols, hardware components, and IP-based network technologies.

2. What does a Senior Network Operations Engineer do?

Senior network operations engineers are often required to actively stay up to date with the latest security measures to protect the networks they manage. Specifically, their work includes the following aspects: First, configure, deploy, and manage kickstart servers to automate Linux server builds. Second, manage MPLS peering connections for voice and video conferencing infrastructure to achieve unparalleled enterprise collaboration solutions. Third, they need to increase the speed and predictability of multicast and order routing data. Finally, deeply analyze and decrypt IP traffic to detect and correct problems related to routing, switching, BGP, and OSPF to achieve smooth operation of organizational systems.

3. How much does a Senior Network Operations Engineer Make?

According to data from ZipRecruiter on June 5, 2025, the average annual salary for a senior network operations engineer in the United States is $123,786. That's about $59.51 per hour. That's equivalent to $2,380 per week or $10,315 per month. The highest annual salary can reach $175,000, and the lowest is only $42,500, but most senior network operations engineers currently make between $104,000 and $142,500, with the highest earners in the United States making $162,500. The average salary range for a senior network operations engineer varies widely (up to $38,500), which means they may have many opportunities for advancement and pay increases depending on skill level, location, and years of experience.

4. Job Outlook of Senior Network Operations Engineer

Job Outlook of Senior Network Operations Engineer Overall, it is strong and optimistic. According to statistics from the Zippia website, the job growth rate for operations engineers is expected to be 2% from 2018 to 2028, and about 6,400 new operations engineer positions will be added in the next decade. There are currently 155,188 active operations engineer job vacancies in the United States.

5. Similar Occupations of Senior Network Operations Engineer

• Network Engineer
• Network Administrator
• Network Architect
• System Administrator
• Infrastructure Engineer
• Cloud Network Engineer
• Network Security Engineer

6. What Are the Qualifications to Become a Senior Network Operations Engineer?

(1) Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

Most entry-level data analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Employers looking for Senior Network Operations Engineer often require a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, telecommunications or information systems. These programs provide the skills and knowledge needed for the career.

(2) Develop professional skills

The following skills are typically required for a Senior Network Engineer:Experience with Cisco IOS is required and familiarity with Cisco's best practice architecture and design principles is a must.Familiarity with Linux, Microsoft Windows Server, Cisco routers and firewalls, TCP/IP, DNS, Active-Directory, and Microsoft IIS is a plus.Proficiency in converged network design, including multi-layer Quality of Service (QoS) and WAN optimization is required.Working knowledge of wireless technologies using controller-based systems and authentication protocols is required.Proficiency in best practice design and implications of public and private IP addressing is required, and experience with common management and reporting tools such as Solarwinds is a plus.

(3) Earn Industry Certifications

Obtaining a certification that is highly recognized by the industry can prove your professional ability and ability to perform the position, and can also enhance your competitiveness in the workplace. Therefore, we recommend that you obtain the CCIE Enterprise Wireless certification.CCIE Enterprise Wireless Certification This certification validates your mastery of planning, designing, implementing, operating, and optimizing complex enterprise wireless networks. Earn the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Enterprise Wireless certification to help you make decisions about these solutions.