Explore the daily duties, key skills, and required qualifications to become a network technician in the ICT field. Discover statistics on salary potential, employment growth, and main areas of opportunity.
Overview
Network technicians assist customers, programmers, and IT vendors with installing, configuring, updating, and troubleshooting network systems. They may also offer training for updates made to network infrastructure; as well as write new scripts or programs to improve current operating systems.
Daily duties can include monitoring a LAN (local area network) for any issues or system failures that arise; tracking network activity and performance; diagnosing wiring problems; and securing the network against cyber-attacks. They may also advise clients on new equipment or software investments, should their current technology becomes unreliable.
Employment for network technicians is headed for incredible growth in the coming years – with a 26.2% predicted job growth by 2024, according to SEEK.
Key Skills
Excellent analytical skills for spotting, evaluating, and resolving network issues
Strong communication skills for advising (and training) clients in-person or over the phone
Multi-tasking abilities for juggling multiple network problems and client requests as they arise
A thorough knowledge of computer networks, hardware, and software
A strong knowledge of cybersecurity and effective network security practices
Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
Quick Facts
Network technicians can find work in most regions of Australia, with New South Wales currently holding the largest share of workers. Weekly salary potential ($2,021) is much higher than the all-jobs average ($1,460) with many working full-time.
Salary Range
$40,000 - $79,000 (Median: $62,000)*
*Source: Payscale
Average Weekly Hours
42 hours (vs. all jobs average of 44 hours)*
*Source: Job Outlook
Main Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Information Media and Telecommunications; and Education and Training
Most Common Qualification Level
37.8% hold a Bachelor’s Degree
STUDY PATHWAYS
Getting the skills you need is simple by studying one of our information technology courses below.
ICT40120 - Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking)
ICT50220 – Diploma of Information Technology (Back End Web Development)
ICT50220 – Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking)
*Sources: payscale.com.au and joboutlook.gov.au – All information is to be used as a guide only, and are accurate at the time of publication.
