1. What is an IT Infrastructure Engineer？

IT Infrastructure Engineers are involved in the design, construction, coordination and maintenance of an enterprise's IT architecture to ensure the secure operation of the company's internal network, collect data, develop and launch digital products, support its online stores, and achieve other business goals.

2. IT Infrastructure engineer responsibilities

IT Infrastructure Engineers are responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: designing, maintaining and deploying network and servers infrastructure; monitoring and troubleshooting performance issues, configuring server hardware and software; implementing security measures, such as firewalls and authentication and encryption. They also prepare software and hardware documentation and monitor system and network performance indicators.

3. Essential Skills for IT Infrastructure Engineer

IT Infrastructure Engineers need to have the following skills: Network and server management experience, familiarity with TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP and other network protocols, proficiency in the configuration of routers and switches from Cisco, Huawei and other manufacturers, firewall configuration and troubleshooting, proficiency in the use of network performance monitoring tools such as Nagios, Zabbix, SolarWinds, in-depth understanding of server hardware and software, excellent problem-solving and organizational skills, proficiency in the use of virtualization technologies such as VMware ESXi/vSphere, Hyper-V, KVM, etc.

3. Career Insights: Salary, Outlook & Related Roles

(1) IT Infrastructure Engineer Salary

ZipRecruiter data shows that as of April 28, 2026 the average annual salary in Los Angeles for infrastructure engineers is $136 915, or $65.82 an hour. This is equal to $2,632 a week or $11,409 a month. The highest salary among them is $196.107, and the lowest is $50,000104. However, most infrastructure engineers have salaries that range between $115.800 (25th centile) and $161.900 (75th centile), with the highest earners in Los Angeles (90th) earning $175.634.

(2) Job Outlook of IT Infrastructure Engineer

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in IT Infrastructure Engineer will increase by 4% between 2022 and 2032. This is the same growth rate as the average of all occupations. It means that those who are interested in a career with infrastructure engineering have good prospects.

(3) Similar Occupations

• Network Engineer
• Cloud Engineer
• DevOps Engineer
• Solutions Architect
• Systems Engineer
• IT Project Manager
• IT Manager
• Technical Manager
• Security Engineer

4. How to Become an IT Infrastructure Engineer？

(1) Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

Most positions require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Studying at a reputable institution will give you a competitive edge. Applicants should hold a closely related degree, such as electrical engineering, software engineering, computer science and information technology (IT) or other related fields.

(2) Develop professional skills

It is important to have the necessary skills to be a successful infrastructure engineer. This will allow you to demonstrate your abilities to potential employers and improve your chances of advancement. Consider looking for internships to gain valuable experience while you study for your undergraduate degree. Consider internships with software and information technology companies.

(3) Earn Industry Certifications

When applying for infrastructure engineer positions, it is helpful to obtain certain certifications as they can help you develop the key skills and knowledge required for the position and make your resume more noticeable to employers.Earning a recognized certification in the IT field helps employers recognize you as a qualified candidate.CCNP Enterprise Certification demonstrates expertise in enterprise infrastructure and security. The Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise (CCNP) certification allows you to configure, manage, and troubleshoot networks for some of the largest companies in the world, boosting your career as an IT Infrastructure Engineer.