1. What is a Data Center Network Engineer？

Data center engineers are professionals responsible for the construction and safe operation of data centers and assist in the maintenance and supervision of corporate infrastructure.

2. What does a Data Center Network Engineer do?

The work of Data Center Network Engineer mainly revolves around the storage, use and maintenance of data. First, Data Center Network Engineer needs to use the data and converged communication infrastructure of Cisco equipment to provide wide area network/local area network (WAN/LAN) network services, monitor the normal operation of data network infrastructure, and take into account customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.Secondly, it is necessary to perform the design integration of complex cross-functional systems, lead the technical design review of various infrastructure projects, and serve as a senior technical resource. Recommend appropriate technical designs and solutions that meet business needs and corporate technology strategies and can provide the most efficient and cost-effective solutions.Finally, evaluate and implement the design of wide area network/local area network (WAN/LAN) architecture, oversee network traffic analysis and bandwidth, and modify network configuration based on cost-effectiveness recommendations.

3. Career Insights: Salary, Outlook & Related Roles

(1) Data Center Network Engineer Salary

According to data from the ZipRecruiter website on May 14, 2025, the average annual salary for a data center network engineer in the United States is $147,461. That's about $70.89 per hour. This is equivalent to $2,835 per week or $12,288 per month. The highest annual salary can be as high as $197,000 and the lowest is only $51,500, but most data center network engineers currently have an annual salary between $84,000 and $196,000, with the highest earners in the United States making up to $196,000. The average salary range for a data center network engineer varies greatly (up to $112,000), which means there may be many opportunities for advancement and pay increases depending on skill level, location, and years of experience.

(2) Job Outlook of Data Center Network Engineer

The rapid development of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving companies across all industries to invest heavily in modern digital infrastructure to support continued growth. As the backbone of today's digital economy, data centers are in particular need of high performance.

(3) Similar Occupations

Network Engineer Senior Network Engineer Data Center Engineer Network Architect DevNet / Network Automation Engineer Cloud Network Engineer Systems Engineer (with a Networking Focus) Security Network Engineer Platform Engineer / Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) SDN Engineer / Cisco ACI Engineer Infrastructure Engineer

4. What Are the Qualifications to Become a Data Center Network Engineer?

(1) Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

When recruiting Data Center Network Engineers, employers often require job seekers to have a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, electrical engineering, or a related field. Having relevant professional certifications and relevant work experience can enhance career prospects.

(2) Develop professional skills

First of all, Data Center Network Engineer needs to be able to use tools such as Wireshark, SolarWinds, Nagios, Cisco DNA Center, etc. to carry out daily work. Secondly, master Python, Ansible, etc., and have a deep understanding of all storage and networking products. Finally, you need to be familiar with Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Palo Alto Networks, VMware NSX, Cisco ACI, SDN (Software-Defined Networking), etc.

(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.Some employers prefer to hire candidates with experience in sales or a related technical field, such as engineering or IT strategy.

CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification can prove your skills with complex enterprise infrastructure solutions from designing and deploying to operating and optimizing. Take your place as a Data Center Network Engineer by achieving the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Enterprise Infrastructure certification.