Whether it's cloud computing, 5G implementation, or software-defined infrastructure, networking covers a wide range of today's top corporate connection efforts. Any corporate configuration that allows people to share data across an information system is a type of networking, and it necessitates the usage of networking professionals to design, build, and manage the infrastructure over time. The networking employment market has expanded rapidly to fulfill the needs of a wide range of businesses, particularly as users and network components migrate to the cloud and edge. Learn more about the networking job market and how you can polish your abilities to match networking job criteria, whether you're an experienced networking professional, a fresh tech graduate, or someone seeking for a career move.     Download FREE Cisco practice test here!  The Networking Industry According to Grand View Research, the enterprise networking industry was worth $50.6 billion in 2020 and is predicted to reach $64.6 billion by 2024. The following six types of networking are the most common: Networking within a small area (LAN) Networking over a large area (WAN) Networking that is defined by software (SDN) Networking in the cloud and at the edge Mobile networking and 5G A VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) Job Descriptions for Networking One of the most diverse and in-demand networking professionals is the network engineer. Network engineers are primarily responsible for building, optimizing, and developing networking infrastructure, but they also assist with continuing network management on a regular basis. Network technician: largely responsible for tactical updates, bug patches, and network hardware and software troubleshooting. Consider the network administrator to be the network's operations manager. After a network is put up, network administrators are in charge of most of the maintenance, monitoring, and general administration functions. They're also in charge of assigning assignments to other networking positions. Network support specialists are often more concerned with the user experience (UX). This person acts as a communication link between users and the solutions they require whenever a network or its components are experiencing outages or other difficulties. Network security engineer: develops technological, physical, and regulatory measures to protect various network components. They may collaborate closely with a network administrator, particularly when it comes to network monitoring. Networking Roles Education Because networking covers such a broad range of connectivity requirements, it is one of the most accessible employment markets for anyone looking for their first technical career. A bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, information technology, or another relevant technical subject is common among networking specialists. However, the networking job market is one in which a variety of relevant education and experience will suffice for an open networking position. Investing in the following abilities and experiences can help you get recruited in this specialty: Platform-specific expertise, particularly in the area of cloud-based networking (e.g., AWS) Traditional networking gear, software, and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP) must be thoroughly understood. Knowledge of network administration and monitoring software Hands-on coding and familiarity with open-source environments Experience with software development and scripting Particularly for network security tasks, security certifications or hands-on security work are required. Consider earning one of the most prestigious networking certifications for individuals who want to strengthen their networking resume outside of typical working hours: During the employment process, hiring managers search for certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). Job Openings through Networking According to LinkedIn, there are over 139,000 job openings for various networking tasks. While many of these jobs are centered on maintaining small businesses' local networking infrastructure, some are with larger corporations that require help with network configuration, management, and security. According to LinkedIn, these are some of the best networking opportunities: Engineer for cloud networks Engineer in charge of networks Network engineer, junior/entry-level Administrator of a network Specialist in network deployment and support Engineer in charge of network development Engineer in charge of network operations Engineer in charge of network security Several tech organizations are filling out their networking teams, especially if you're interested in working for a larger company: AWS Dropbox Spectrum Verizon Meta Microsoft Salesforce Juniper Networks Cisco Salaries Networking Networking salary are more dependent on the particular networking talents that candidates can bring to the table than on the precise job title. According to the "Dice Tech Salary Report" for 2021, job seekers who demonstrate knowledge in the following networking skill areas are anticipated to earn salaries in the following ranges: Skill Salary in 2020 Yr/Yr Change Alcatel-Lucent $105,528 +15.20% Ansible $123,808 -1% Arista $116,814 +3.20% Cisco $97,503 +1.40% Cloud computing $113,901 +2.20% Containers $126,727 -0.30% Docker $123,013 -1.30% IPV6 $100,894 +2.10% iSCSI $112,322 +4.60% Juniper $111,308 +3.10%   Conclusions The diversity of potential roles is a fundamental benefit of the networking job market. Many professions rely primarily on a candidate's expertise of specialized technology, thus you don't necessarily need a corresponding bachelor's degree to qualify. In the networking employment market, hands-on experience and applicable certifications matter a lot, especially for network security and support professions. Due to the connectivity it gives to technical breakthroughs, networking is the backbone of practically every other technical market. Networking occupations are among of the most adaptable and reliable tech career options to follow due to their ubiquity across industries and enterprises.