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Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst: Career Outlook

Published Aug 28, 2009

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A Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst's career outlook reflects favorable employment opportunities, particularly for those who possess professional certifications and bachelor's degrees or higher in computer information systems, computer science or computer systems networking. The number of Network Systems and Data Communication Analyst jobs is expected to rise much faster than average. Read on for the overview, average salary and career outlook for network analysts.

Network Systems and Data Communication Analysts Overview

Network Systems and Data Communication Analysts develop, test, troubleshoot, analyze and maintain data communication systems, including local area networks, wide area networks and intranets. They typically possess a minimum of an associate degree, and more often a bachelor's degree, in computer systems networking or a related field. Oftentimes, these Analysts are known as network engineers, systems engineers, systems administrators, systems programmers, systems specialists or network technicians.

Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts Salary

Many Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts work as independent contractors or consultants on temporary contract bases. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov notes that in 2008, Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts earned a mean hourly wage of $35.50. Ranked from highest to lowest, the top five highest wage-earning states included New Jersey, Virginia, Minnesota, Maryland and Washington, where Network Systems and Data Communication Analysts earned between $38.71 to $42.93 hourly on average. States with the highest concentration of workers in the field included Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Washington and Connecticut, where the mean hourly wages fell between $36.58 and $39.13.

Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts Career Outlook

According to the BLS, hiring of Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts is expected to climb 53% between 2006 and 2016. Popular industries for employment include computer and system design, wired telecommunications, local government and insurance. As technology evolves, employers will seek more individuals with relevant experience, professional certifications and more advanced college degrees. The Association for Computing Machinery, www.computingcareers.acm.org notes that the U.S. has more computer-related employment opportunities than it has workers, which should keep the market's demand for these jobs high.

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