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Network Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Network Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$37.3K

$64.7K

$117.3K

How much do network associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for network associate in Illinois is $64,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $75,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a network associate?

Network Associates are IT professionals responsible for helping design, implement, manage, and troubleshoot computer networks within an organization. They support network infrastructure such as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points, ensuring reliable connectivity and network performance. Network Associates often monitor network activity, assist with network security, and resolve connectivity issues. This entry-level role is key for organizations to maintain efficient and secure communication systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network associate?

To thrive as a Network Associate, you need foundational knowledge of networking concepts, troubleshooting, and security, typically backed by a degree in information technology or a related field. Familiarity with network hardware, Cisco or Juniper devices, and certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in supporting users and collaborating with IT teams. These skills and qualifications ensure reliable network performance, minimize downtime, and contribute to overall organizational productivity.

What are some typical challenges a network associate may face during network troubleshooting, and how can they be addressed?

Network Associates often encounter issues such as intermittent connectivity, hardware failures, or configuration errors. These challenges require strong analytical skills to diagnose the root cause, as well as familiarity with common network diagnostic tools and protocols. Collaborating with senior network engineers and documenting troubleshooting steps are effective strategies to resolve problems efficiently and prevent recurrence. Staying current with emerging technologies and regular training can also help Network Associates handle complex issues more confidently.

What is the difference between Network Associate vs Network Technician?

AspectNetwork AssociateNetwork Technician
CertificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA (preferred)CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA (preferred)
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, network support rolesFieldwork, on-site troubleshooting
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with network setup, monitoring, and basic troubleshootingInstalling, maintaining, and repairing network hardware and connections

Both roles often require similar certifications like CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA. Network Associates typically work in office environments supporting network operations, while Network Technicians often perform hands-on hardware installation and repairs on-site. The roles are closely related, with Network Associates focusing more on support and monitoring, and Network Technicians on physical network infrastructure maintenance.

Is networking a high paying job?

Network Associate positions typically offer competitive salaries that vary by experience, location, and industry. Entry-level roles may start lower, but with certifications like Cisco or CompTIA and experience, salaries can increase significantly, making networking a potentially lucrative career path.

What are the most commonly searched types of Network jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Network jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Network Associate jobs in Illinois?

For Network Associate jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Network Associate jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Network Associate jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Network Associate jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Network Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Network Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,733 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Lead Network Engineer

Apogee Engineering, LLC

Scott Air Force Base, IL โ€ข On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Overview
Apogee has an exciting new opportunity for a Lead Network Engineer to provide support for the Executive Airlift Communications Network (EACN) support task order, which provides Command, Control, Communications (C3) services for multiple critical U.S. Government missions via multiple Air to Global Information Grid (GIG) Gateways (A2G2's) supported by a Systems Integration Lab (SIL).
This is a full-time position located on-site at Scott Air Force Base (SAFB), in Belleville, IL.
*** This position is contingent upon contract award.***
Responsibilities
  • Provide Network Tier 2 support to Senior Leader Command, Control, Communications Systems-Airborne (SLC3S-A) Operations, Mobility Air Forces (MAF) Operations, Air Force Global Strike Command's (AFGSC) E-4B aircraft, also known as the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC), and U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft.
  • Provide Network Tier 2 support to EACN Air to GIG Gateways (A2G2s), EACN Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL), and the Government Security Operations Center (GSOC).
  • Configure, implement, and support network infrastructure (LAN/WAN) operating systems and computer data exchange requirements. This includes replacement of End-Of-Life (EOL) hardware and software when required and provided by the Government.
  • Identify and resolve performance issues and be responsible for all troubleshooting, repairing/replacing, configuring, monitoring, and upgrading of the EACN network on both the unclassified and classified systems.
  • Attend meetings, provide forecasts, gather trend analysis data on systems, and provide input for resource planning. Contractor shall review work/installation progress for accuracy, adherence to network design, and conformance to telecommunications standards. Contractor shall provide installation, transition, and cutover of components of the systems.
  • Support and maintain the EACN A2G2 hardware configuration and installation requirements once approved for site installation.
  • Configure, customize, and maintain Government-furnished network security, monitoring, and data analysis tools (including but not limited to ServiceNow, SolarWinds, Splunk) to provide real-time usable statistics to aid with troubleshooting.
  • Report the detailed compliance actions; the date and time compliance is complete and changes that are implemented in each A2G2 to the EACN Government Engineers and ISSM as part of the EACN Security-Compliance Report.
  • Comply with all U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), and U.S. Air Force Tasking Orders and/or Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and support the EACN Cyber Security Service Provider (CSSP), Air Force Network Operations Center (AFNOC), Network Operations Division (NOD), 26th Network Operations Group (NOG) Detachment 2, and the AFNOC Network Security Division (NSD) AF Computer Response Team (AFCERT). STIGs must be conducted within the test environment prior to implementation into the operational network; each device must be compliant with DISA inspection standards before it is connected to an operational network.

Qualifications
Minimum Experience:
Citizenship: Must be a US citizen
Clearance: Must have and be able to maintain a TS/SCI level clearance
Certifications:
  • DoDD 8140.03 Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program
  • CompTIA Network Plus (Network+)
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Education: Bachelor's Degree
Years of Experience: Eight (8) years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline; to include five (5) years of DoD experience
Additional Experience:
  • SolarWinds software suites

Preferred Qualifications:
Education: Master's Degree
Years of Experience: Six (6) years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline; to include five (5) years of DoD experience
Additional Information:
Location: Scott Air Force Base (SAFB), in Belleville, IL
On-site: Full-time on-site position
Travel: 10% travel may be required
*** This position is contingent upon contract award.***