Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Network Technician
What network technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review network monitoring alerts and the ticket queue. From there, the day usually includes install and configure network equipment, monitor network performance and alerts, and troubleshoot connectivity problems. Most work full-time; NOC roles include nights and weekends, and maintenance often happens after hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a network technician working full time.
- Review network monitoring alerts and the ticket queue.
- Troubleshoot a user who can’t connect to Wi-Fi.
- Replace a failed switch in a wiring closet.
- Terminate and test new network cables for an office expansion.
- Configure VLANs on a new switch.
- Work with the ISP on an intermittent internet outage.
- Update network diagrams and close tickets.
Where network technicians work
Technicians work in offices, data centers, wiring closets and network operations centers. Some lift equipment and work in ceilings and server rooms.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; NOC roles include nights and weekends, and maintenance often happens after hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Install and configure network equipment
- Monitor network performance and alerts
- Troubleshoot connectivity problems
- Install and test network cabling
- Maintain network documentation
- Apply firmware updates
- Escalate complex issues to engineers
Tools you’ll use every day
- Switches, routers and firewalls
- Cable testers and toners
- Network monitoring tools
- Command-line tools such as ping and traceroute
- Wireless analyzers
- Ticketing systems
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Associate degree or certification entry
- Hands-on and technical
- Clear path to network engineering
- Needed in every industry
What’s hard
- After-hours maintenance
- Pressure during outages
- Some physical work in closets and ceilings
- Constant need to learn
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like figuring out why things aren’t working
- I enjoy hands-on tech work
- I can stay calm during outages
- I want certifications instead of a long degree
- I like helping users
- I want to grow into network engineering
Not sure? Take the free Network Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow change control for network changes
- Use ladder safety in ceilings
- Lift equipment carefully
- Protect network credentials