Network Security Engineer Career

Written by: University of Tulsa • Jan 28, 2025

Four network security engineers at work.

Network security refers to the actions that safeguard a computer network and the data it contains. A breach in network security can have serious implications for an organization of any size or type.

Just one data breach costs a company an average of $4.88 million, according to a 2024 IBM report. And a 2024 survey by cybersecurity services provider Sophos found that 59% of companies globally had faced a cyber attack involving what’s known as ransomware during the past year.

Network security engineers play a critical role in preventing these breaches and other cybercrimes and in protecting against the effects of natural disasters. For those interested in pursuing or advancing in a cybersecurity career, enrolling in a Master of Science in Cyber Security program can provide valuable knowledge and skills.

What Is a Network Security Engineer?

Network security engineers plan, implement, and maintain systems that protect organizations against cybercrimes. Their efforts also help organizations guard against network security threats that natural disasters like fires and floods can cause. These professionals work in a variety of industries and for organizations of differing sizes, from large financial services companies to small government agencies.

Network Security Engineer Job Duties

The focus of the network security engineer’s job is to ensure there are no vulnerabilities in an organization’s computers, servers, or wireless networks. They secure and manage cybersecurity tools such as firewalls, routers, and virtual private networks (VPNs). These professionals are responsible for:

Network configuration: Coordinating the setup of tools that monitor network security, maintaining the hardware and software that protect against cyber attacks, and leading responses to cybercrimes and network vulnerabilities related to natural disasters
Troubleshooting: Measuring the effectiveness of the cybersecurity tools and policies in use, testing for system vulnerabilities, and updating hardware and software to strengthen protections
Incident response: Noting cybersecurity incidents that occur and leading the response, exploring ways to improve network security, and addressing any occurrence of safety noncompliance

Where Network Security Engineers Work

Many network security engineers work from one location, although some positions require these professionals to travel and provide services to multiple organizations.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, in 2023, computer systems design was the sector employing the highest percentage of people in network security engineer roles, with 22% working in that sector. Other top employers were:

Finance and insurance (15%)
Information (10%)
Company and enterprise management (8%)
Scientific and technical consulting services (6%)

How to Become a Network Security Engineer

Higher education and experience are vital in gaining the skills that network security engineer jobs typically require. Gaining certifications can provide further evidence of a job candidate’s expertise and help set them apart from others pursuing roles in the field.

Following are the key steps to becoming a network security engineer:

1. Earn a College Degree

While requirements for the role vary, network security engineers generally must have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computers and information technology. This education should include the study of network security fundamentals and protocols and should emphasize information technology (IT) professionals’ security tools and practices.

Earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity can provide additional expertise that can be helpful in beginning and advancing a network security engineer career. This education also can provide the foundation for seeking professional certifications.

2. Obtain an Entry-Level Position

Many network security engineers start their careers working in IT support, building their knowledge and experience by working with network systems and identifying security threats. After gaining about a year of experience, these professionals may advance to network administrator positions that call for them to work hands-on with computer network hardware and software and allow them to expand their expertise in network security.

3. Gain Professional Certifications

Gaining computer network security certifications can be helpful in building expertise in IT tools and security. Options for these certifications include those related to cybersecurity in general as well as those that focus on specific hardware or software.

General professional certifications in cybersecurity include options such as the certified information systems security professional (CISSP) and the certified information security manager (CISM) credentials. These certifications typically require applicants to meet criteria related to education, work experience, and basic knowledge.

Network security engineers also can pursue certifications related to IT network security tools. Vendors that provide those tools, such as AWS and Azure, offer these certifications. Other options for earning this type of credential are available from vendor-neutral sources that focus on topics like cloud security or incident response.

4. Pursue Career Advancement

Around three years into this career path, it is common for network security engineers to pursue advanced responsibilities. Seeking continuing education in cybersecurity and professional certification opportunities can help prepare those in the field for leadership roles.

Network Security Engineer Salary and Job Outlook

The median annual salary for network security engineers outpaces the average for all jobs. The job outlook for the IT and cybersecurity sectors are also strong.

Median Salary

Payscale reports that the median annual salary for network security engineers in November 2024 was about $98,840. Those in the bottom 10% of earners had annual salaries as low as $67,000, with the top 10% of earners commanding annual salaries up to $141,000.

In comparison, the BLS reports that the median annual salary for all professions in May 2023 was $48,060.

Job Outlook

The BLS reports strong growth potential for information security analysts, which includes network security engineers. The job growth for these professionals is projected to be 33% between 2023 and 2033, which is much higher than the average of 4%. This equates to about 17,300 new openings each year in that time period.

Protect Networks From Cyber Threats

If you’d like to begin — or pursue advancement in — a career where you can help organizations save millions of dollars in data loss costs, start your journey by exploring The University of Tulsa’s online Master of Science in Cyber Security degree program.

Nationally recognized for its curriculum, the program teaches students the cyber defense skills of today and prepares them to adapt to the demands of tomorrow. The degree program can provide the foundation for success as a network security engineer. Students participate in hands-on instruction from faculty with expertise in fields as diverse as fintech and ethics, and they do so with the flexibility of an online curriculum.

Discover how the TU online M.S. in Cyber Security can help you achieve your career goals.

Recommended Readings

5 Blockchain Careers to Consider

How to Become an Ethical Hacker

What Is Machine Learning in Cybersecurity?

Sources:

Cisco, Become a Network Security Engineer

Datamation, “11 Top Cybersecurity Certifications to Consider in 2024”

Endecom, “Safeguarding Cybersecurity in the Face of Natural Disasters”

Glassdoor, “How to Become a Network Security Engineer?”

Hacker Desk, “Network Security Engineer: Roles, Responsibilities, and Career Path”

IBM, “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024”