Network Engineer
52AI EXPOSURE TODAY52
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST90%
NOT A FORECAST90%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYC
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £35,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM COMPUTER SCIENCE →
Network Engineer
As a Network Engineer, you are the backbone of modern connectivity, ensuring that data flows seamlessly across networks that power businesses and communities. In a world increasingly reliant on technology, your expertise plays a pivotal role in safeguarding information and optimizing performance, making you an invaluable asset in the UK’s digital landscape.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
This work is being absorbed by AI
AI exposure is high for this work and nothing structurally requires a human: no licence, no physical task, no relationship at the core. Enter as the person directing the tools, not competing with them.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Network EngineerIn this entry-level role, you will assist in the setup and maintenance of network systems, gaining hands-on experience while learning from senior engineers.£25,000 - £35,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Network EngineerAs a mid-level engineer, you will take on more complex projects, lead troubleshooting efforts, and mentor junior staff.£40,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Network Engineer/Network ArchitectIn this peak role, you will design large-scale network solutions, oversee major projects, and contribute to strategic planning for network infrastructure.£60,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Computer Engineering with Industrial StudiesUniversity of Southampton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£47,000 median
🎓Computer Science with Artificial IntelligenceUniversity of York · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Computing Science (Cybersecurity)University of Aberdeen · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Computer Games Design with AnimationAshton Sixth Form College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£39,000 median
🎓Computer and Electronic SystemsUniversity of Strathclyde · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Software Engineering (with Placement)Queen's University of Belfast · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
All Computer Science courses as cards →
Real apprenticeship standards
Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.
L4Network engineer24 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Computer Engineering with Industrial StudiesUniversity of Southampton · DegreeComputer Science with Artificial IntelligenceUniversity of York · DegreeComputing Science (Cybersecurity)University of Aberdeen · DegreeComputer Games Design with AnimationAshton Sixth Form College · DegreeComputer and Electronic SystemsUniversity of Strathclyde · DegreeSoftware Engineering (with Placement)Queen's University of Belfast · Degree