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Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer Jobs in Rochester, MN

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Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$25

$54

$81

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

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cisco network engineer in Rochester, MN is $54.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.71 and $62.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

How to get into network engineering with no experience?

Entry-level Cisco network engineers can start by gaining foundational knowledge through online courses, studying for certifications like Cisco CCNA, and practicing with network simulation tools. Building hands-on experience through labs, internships, or volunteering can also help develop practical skills needed for the role.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level Cisco Network Engineers earn significantly less, highly experienced senior engineers with specialized skills, certifications like CCIE, and leadership roles in large organizations can potentially reach or exceed $500,000 annually. Such compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, typically in high-cost-of-living areas or large corporations.

How much do network engineers make at Cisco?

Entry-level Cisco network engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on location and experience. Certifications like CCNA can help increase earning potential, and the role often involves configuring and maintaining Cisco networking equipment in enterprise environments.

What Does an Entry-Level Cisco Network Engineer Do?

Entry-level Cisco network engineers work alongside experienced Cisco network engineers to install hardware and software, plan the growth of a network, and develop the systems necessary for a company to monitor and transmit its data. In this role, you may train to troubleshoot problems for users, write up processes and procedures for others to follow, improve network connectivity and stability, and exercise good judgment to escalate issues to senior engineers as needed. As an entry-level employee, your main job is to learn more about managing a Cisco network at your company, so you typically work under the supervision of a senior engineer as you develop your skills.

What are common entry-level job titles at Cisco?

Common entry-level job titles at Cisco for network engineers include Network Technician, Network Support Engineer, and Associate Network Engineer. These roles typically involve supporting network infrastructure, troubleshooting issues, and working with Cisco networking equipment, often requiring basic knowledge of networking protocols and certifications like Cisco CCNA.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer jobs in Rochester, MN? For Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer job openings in Rochester, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,913 per year, or $54.3 per hour.
IT Specialist (Network Services)

IT Specialist (Network Services)

US Department of the Treasury

Rochester, MN • On-site

$125K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


U.S. Department Of The Treasury rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 693 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

WHAT IS IT-TAXPAYER SERVICES/ONLINE ACCOUNTS?

A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
  • Position(s) are to be filled in following area(s):
    • IT - Taxpayer Services and Online Accounts

REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Minimum requirements for Grade 12 and UP (GS or Equivalent) Applicants must have Information Technology related experience demonstrating each of the following nine competencies: 1) Attention to Detail, 2) Customer Service, 3) Decision Making, 4) Information Management, 5) Interpersonal Skills, 6) Oral Communication, 7) Problem Solving, 8)Team Work and 9) Technical Competence.
Specialized Experience GS-14 Level: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

  • Leading or coordinating IT projects, application-related efforts, operational initiatives, or system-related activities that affect multiple users, teams, programs, or business processes.
  • Applying advanced IT principles, concepts, methods, and practices to evaluate requirements; resolve technical issues; guide system, application, or code testing and configuration decisions; and ensure technical documentation and federal cybersecurity, privacy, or regulatory requirements are addressed.
  • Engaging customers, stakeholders, users, product or business owners, and technical teams to define business or technical requirements, communicate technical impacts, and guide delivery of secure, reliable, scalable IT solutions.
  • Evaluating system, service, or application performance, availability, reliability, security controls, usability, and operational effectiveness; identifying risks, issues, defects, or gaps; and leading corrective actions or improvement efforts.
  • Analyzing competing technical approaches and providing authoritative recommendations to management, stakeholders, or IT specialists on the selection, design, configuration, implementation, or improvement of IT solutions with organizational impact.
  • Designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining Cisco Intelligent Contact Management (ICM) and Unified Contact Center Enterprise (UCCE) routing scripts supporting enterprise customer service operations.
  • Developing, testing, troubleshooting, and enhancing Cisco Customer Voice Portal (CVP) Studio applications, voice self-service solutions, call flows, and customer interaction workflows.
  • Configuring and supporting intelligent call routing, queue management, skills-based routing, precision routing, overflow strategies, and customer interaction workflows within a large-scale contact center environment.
  • Developing, analyzing, and supporting Cisco ICM/UCCE reporting solutions, including operational, performance, and management reporting used to monitor service delivery and business outcomes.
  • Collaborating with business stakeholders, operations teams, engineers, and technical staff to gather requirements and implement routing, reporting, and self-service solutions that improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
  • Analyzing contact center data and performance metrics to identify trends, operational issues, routing inefficiencies, and opportunities for service improvements.
  • Experience with contact center operations and key performance indicators (KPIs), including service level, average speed of answer, abandonment rate, average handle time, first contact resolution, agent occupancy, schedule adherence, and customer experience measures;
  • Troubleshooting and resolving call routing, reporting, integration, IVR, and application performance issues across Cisco contact center platforms and supporting technologies;
  • Supporting system upgrades, change management activities, testing efforts, and production deployments within enterprise Cisco contact center environments;
  • Providing technical leadership, guidance, and support related to Cisco ICM/UCCE scripting, CVP Studio development, routing strategy design, reporting, and operational analytics.

AND
You must also meet the following requirement(s):

  • PERFORMANCE RATING: Current federal employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating to receive consideration.
  • TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): By the closing date (or if this is an open continuous announcement, by the cut-off date) specified in this job announcement, current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens"
  • TIME IN GRADE (TIG): Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements. For positions above the GS-05,applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for. For positions at the GS-05, you cannot advance to the GS-05 if you have held a GS-02 in the past 52 weeks. There is no TIG restriction for GS-02, 03, or 04 positions.
  • MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: Minimum age for federal employment is 18 years old, or at least 16 years old and have:
    • Graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or
    • Completed a formal vocational training program; or
    • Received a statement from school authorities agreeing with your preference for employment rather than continuing your education.


For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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