1. What is a Network Planning Engineer？

A network planning engineer is a professional responsible for designing, implementing and optimizing the network infrastructure of an enterprise or organization to ensure that the network can meet current and future needs.

2. How much does a Network Planning Engineer Make?

As of June 25, 2026, the average annual salary for a Network Planning Engineer in the United States is $109,040. That works out to about $52.42 per hour. That's the equivalent of $2,096 per week or $9,086 per month. Annual salaries can be as high as $158,000 and as low as $31,000, but most Network Planning Engineers currently make between $89,000 and $133,500 per year, with the highest earners in the United States making up to $143,000 per year. The average salary range for a Network Planning Engineer varies greatly (as high as $44,500), which means there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

3. Job Outlook of Network Planning Engineer

The job outlook for network planners is generally positive, with strong growth expected in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer network architects (and related positions) is forecast to increase by 13% between 2023 and 2033. This growth is driven by the increasing reliance of businesses and individuals on computer networks and the rising need for network security.

4. Similar Occupations of Network Planning Engineer

• RF (Radio Frequency) Engineer
• Transmission Engineer
• Telecommunications Engineer
• Capacity Planning Engineer
• Mobile Network Engineer
• Core Network Engineer
• OSS Engineer
• Network Engineer
• IP Network Engineer
• Solution Architect

5. What Are the Qualifications to Become a Network Planning Engineer ?

(1) Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

Network engineers typically require candidates to have a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, such as computer engineering, information systems, or computer science.

(2) Develop professional skills

Network Planning Engineer need to have a variety of skills, including knowledge of sensors, microcontrollers, network protocols, and network security. The difficulty of this job can vary greatly depending on the scope and scale of the IoT project. Network Planning Engineer need to be proficient in not only technical engineering, but also be able to envision how IoT solutions can solve real-world problems. They must be lifelong learners, constantly updating their skills to keep up with technological advances.

(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 CCNP Service Provider certification. This certification can validate your expertise in implementing core service provider network technologies, including architecture, services, networking, automation, and more. Be the next choice for a tech role in service provider networks with a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Service Provider certification.