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Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Impact Networking

Network Engineer

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Proficiency with switch, router, and firewall management across platforms such as Cisco, Meraki ... Network Engineer Associate, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+ are desirable What Drives ...

Impact Networking

Network Engineer

Hammond, IN · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Proficiency with switch, router, and firewall management across platforms such as Cisco, Meraki ... Network Engineer Associate, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+ are desirable What Drives ...

Impact Networking

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Proficiency with switch, router, and firewall management across platforms such as Cisco, Meraki ... Network Engineer Associate, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+ are desirable What Drives ...

Impact Networking

Network Engineer

Mettawa, IL · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Proficiency with switch, router, and firewall management across platforms such as Cisco, Meraki ... Network Engineer Associate, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+ are desirable What Drives ...

Impact Networking

Network Engineer

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Proficiency with switch, router, and firewall management across platforms such as Cisco, Meraki ... Network Engineer Associate, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+ are desirable What Drives ...

SDI Presence

Junior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33 - $38/hr

Summary The Junior Network Engineer Junior is an entry level role focused on supporting the ... Cisco CCNA certification preferred, or obtain within first 3-6months of employment * Experience ...

SDI Presence

Junior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$33 - $38/hr

Summary The Junior Network Engineer Junior is an entry level role focused on supporting the ... Cisco CCNA certification preferred, or obtain within first 3-6months of employment * Experience ...

SDI Presence

Junior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$33 - $38/hr

Summary The Junior Network Engineer Junior is an entry level role focused on supporting the ... Cisco CCNA certification preferred, or obtain within first 3-6months of employment * Experience ...

SDI Presence

Junior Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Summary The Junior Network Engineer Junior is an entry level role focused on supporting the ... Cisco CCNA certification preferred, or obtain within first 3-6months of employment * Experience ...

Sentinel

Network Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $100K/yr

Must have experience in network engineering/support within enterprise environments * Strong ... We have aligned with many of today's global technology leaders including Cisco, Dell, VMware and ...

Sentinel

Network Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $100K/yr

Must have experience in network engineering/support within enterprise environments * Strong ... We have aligned with many of today's global technology leaders including Cisco, Dell, VMware and ...

Sentinel

Network Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $100K/yr

Sentinel Technologies is seeking a highly skilled Network Engineer with CCNP level expertise in ... We have aligned with many of today's global technology leaders including Cisco, Dell, VMware and ...

MWRD

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75 - $95/hr

A Cisco CCNA certification may be substituted for one year of the required education or experience ... Two years of service with the District as a Network Analyst or an IT Support Coordinator or four ...

Sentinel

Network Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site +1

$60K - $70K/yr

Experience in network engineering/support * Basic understanding of routing and switching protocols ... We have aligned with many of today's global technology leaders including Cisco, Dell, VMware and ...

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Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$26

$55

$82

How much do entry level cisco network engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cisco network engineer in Chicago, IL is $55.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.34 and $63.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level Cisco network engineer do?

An Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, implementation, and maintenance of network infrastructures using Cisco technologies. Their tasks often include configuring routers and switches, monitoring network performance, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and supporting senior engineers with larger projects. They work to ensure that network systems are efficient, secure, and meet the needs of the organization. Entry level engineers typically have a basic understanding of networking protocols and may hold certifications like Cisco's CCNA.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Cisco network engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, TCP/IP protocols, and a relevant certification such as Cisco's CCNA. Familiarity with Cisco routers, switches, and network management tools is typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you troubleshoot issues and collaborate with team members. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring reliable network performance and supporting organizational IT needs.

What typical challenges do entry level Cisco network engineers face when transitioning from classroom learning to real-world network environments?

Entry Level Cisco Network Engineers often find that real-world networks are more complex and less predictable than lab scenarios. Common challenges include troubleshooting unexpected network issues, adapting to different hardware models, and managing time-sensitive tasks during outages or upgrades. Additionally, new engineers must quickly learn to document changes accurately and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical team members. Overcoming these challenges requires continuous learning, asking for guidance from experienced colleagues, and being proactive in hands-on troubleshooting.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer vs Network Support Technician?

AspectEntry Level Cisco Network EngineerNetwork Support Technician
CertificationsCCNA, CompTIA Network+CompTIA A+, Network+
Work EnvironmentNetwork design, configuration, troubleshooting in Cisco environmentsHardware setup, basic troubleshooting, user support
ResponsibilitiesConfigure Cisco routers/switches, assist in network planningMaintain hardware, resolve user issues, perform routine checks

While both roles involve network support, Entry Level Cisco Network Engineers focus on configuring Cisco devices and network design, whereas Network Support Technicians handle hardware maintenance and user support. The former typically requires Cisco certifications like CCNA, and the role is more involved in network architecture, making it suitable for those aiming to specialize in Cisco networking.

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Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,520 per year, or $55.1 per hour.

Network Engineer

Harvard Partners, LLP, Trusted Advisors to IT

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

As a key member of the network engineering team, you will have strong experience with routing and switching in an ISP setting, including SD‑WAN, network monitoring, infrastructure, as well as general network troubleshooting skills. This position is a hybrid with onsite presence required in our Schaumburg, IL office.

Responsibilities
  • Work directly with customers to design, implement, and operate solutions that are resilient, high-performing, and maintainable.
  • Ensure accuracy of backend systems and documentation.
  • Perform root cause analysis and determine corrective actions.
  • Design, provision, maintain, and troubleshoot services for clients including SD‑WAN, SASE, MPLS, DIA, SIP, and UCaaS.
  • Assist with infrastructure design, maintenance, and operation, including SNMP, Netflow, Syslog, Prometheus, Grafana, Solarwinds, Netscout, Netbox, and Veeam. Part of your role will be to support Coeo's network and infrastructure in addition to customer networks.
  • Participate in trouble ticket resolution and troubleshoot advanced issues escalated from Tier 1 support.
  • May require some travel.
Qualifications
  • Experience working on ISP data networks at all layers or experience working at an MSP with a wide range of technologies.
  • Experience troubleshooting at the packet layer, capturing, and analyzing traffic, and working with Wireshark.
  • Experience with layer three routing protocols in an ISP environment (e.g. IS-IS, OSPF, BGP and BGP traffic engineering).
  • Understanding of metro ethernet design including EVCs, UNIs, and NNIs.
  • Understanding of network design and deployment of routers and switches, e.g. Juniper, Cisco, ALU, Ciena, Fortinet, Mikrotik, etc.
  • Experience with SD‑WAN and SSE technologies, deployment, and use‑case evaluation (i.e., Versa, Broadcom/VeloCloud, Client/Silver Peak).
  • Understanding of resiliency and redundancy in network design, protocols involved, and hardware options for high availability.
  • Vendor certifications a plus, Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, etc.
  • Excellent communications skills.
  • Desire to take on new opportunities and work independently.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of the Network team.
  • Strong desire to learn and demonstrated commitment to professional development.
Prior experience with any of the following would be a plus
  • Firewall configuration and management.
  • Scripting and automation in PowerShell, Python, Go, etc.
  • Voice network architecture, Clients, hosted PBX, SIP Phones, ATAs.
  • Windows and Linux server administration.
  • Azure, GCP, or AWS cloud configuration and management.
  • Virtualization management experience with VMware, KVM, OpenStack, Docker, Kubernetes, or others.
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