5 skills for NOC Engineers in 2025 | Salaries & Job Titles

Summary

In this engaging video, Olie outlines the top five skills needed to succeed as a Network Operations Engineer in 2025. He emphasizes the importance of mastering network fundamentals, troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities, and understanding performance monitoring tools. Olie also highlights the significance of security best practices and effective communication skills in collaborating with technical and non-technical teams. Additionally, he discusses bonus skills like programming languages and cloud platforms, alongside salary expectations and common job titles in the field, encouraging viewers to continuously enhance their expertise and stay updated in the industry.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Understanding network fundamentals, including key protocols like TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP, is crucial for a Network Operations Engineer.
• 🔧 Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are essential for identifying and resolving network issues effectively.
• 📊 Familiarity with network management and monitoring tools, such as Nagios and SolarWinds, is vital for optimizing network performance.
• 🔒 Knowledge of security best practices and compliance regulations, including protocols like HTTPS and TLS, is necessary for ensuring network security.
• 🤝 Effective communication and collaboration skills are critical for working with both technical and non-technical teams.
• 💻 Programming languages like Python and Bash can enhance automation capabilities in network operations.
• ☁️ Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is increasingly important in network engineering.
• 🔍 Experience with virtualization technologies, like VMware, adds value to a Network Operations Engineer's skill set.
• 💼 Salary ranges for Network Operations Engineers vary: entry-level positions start at $50,000, while senior roles can exceed $140,000.
• 📝 Continuous learning and staying updated with industry developments are essential for career advancement in the field.

Q & A

What are the essential network protocols a network operations engineer should understand?

A network operations engineer should understand protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and routing protocols like OSPF, BGP, RIP version 2, and IGRP.

Why is network security important for network operations engineers?

Network security is crucial because engineers need to manage how traffic is allowed or blocked into the network, understanding firewalls, VPNs, and Access Control Lists to ensure proper security measures are in place.

What are some common troubleshooting tools mentioned in the video?

Common troubleshooting tools include Wireshark and Nmap, which help in analyzing logs and network traffic.

Which network management and monitoring tools are recommended for engineers?

Recommended tools include Nagios, SolarWinds, and Splunk, as well as proprietary tools that help in performance monitoring and optimization.

What compliance regulations should network operations engineers be familiar with?

Engineers should be knowledgeable about compliance regulations such as HIPAA and PCI DSS, as well as security protocols like HTTPS, Secure Shell, and TLS.

What communication skills are essential for a network operations engineer?

Effective communication and collaboration skills are critical, which include communicating with both technical and non-technical teams, and experience with ticketing systems like Jira and ServiceNow.

What are some additional skills that can enhance a network operations engineer's profile?

Additional skills include programming languages like Python, Perl, and Bash, familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as virtualization technologies such as VMware.

How do salary expectations vary for network operations engineers based on experience?

Entry-level engineers can expect salaries between $50,000 to $70,000, mid-level engineers earn approximately $70,000 to $100,000, while senior engineers with 10+ years of experience can earn between $100,000 to $140,000.

What are common job titles for network operations engineers?

Common job titles include Network Operations Engineer, Network Administrator, Network Support Engineer, and Network Security Engineer.

What is the significance of programming knowledge for network operations engineers in 2025?

Understanding programming languages, particularly Python, is significant as automation becomes more prevalent in network management, allowing engineers to automate tasks and troubleshoot more effectively.