Salary and Benefits

• The average salary for entry-level network systems and data communication analysts, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $41,660 in 2008. This represents, however, the bottom 10 percent of the wages in this category. The average salary for a networking professional was $71,100 with the top 10 percent averaging $110,920. This entry level wage represents 961,200 employees in networking and database fields. Most networking positions are found in an office environment with a full array of benefits. An exception may be if you work as a networking contractor.
  
  

Education and Experience

• Education directly equates to a higher pay scale for entry-level networking professionals. Most employers require at least a bachelor's degree in a computer field to receive an entry-level networking job. Some schools offer a Networking Technology AAS degree for those seeking a two year degree. For individuals who get an industry certification such as the CompTIA Network+ or the Cisco Certified Network Associate, introductory wages should increase to a near average wage with minimal experience due to the laboratory nature of these certifications. You can also gain marketable networking experience in overlapping professionals such as database and systems administration.
  
  

Work Environment

• The work environment for a networking professional also relates directly to his pay. About 15 percent of network and systems administrators work overtime each week, generating a premium pay. In addition, many networking professionals are required to be "on-call" to address network issues which may happen after hours. While this may be a part of your typical compensation package, it is a portion of your contract with which you can attempt to negotiate a higher salary.
  
  

Job Outlook

• According to BLS survey statistics, by 2018 the "Network systems and data communications analysts" category is expected grow by a sizable 53 percent while the category "Network and computer systems administrators" will grow by 23 percent. Rapid growth typically creates even more opportunities for entry-level networking professionals as job demand typically increases average wages.