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Network Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Hayward, CA

Network Systems Specialist

Hayward, CA · On-site

$138K - $168K/yr

This individual is skilled in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network hardware, operating systems, and related systems, and is capable of effectively analyzing and resolving ...

City of Hayward

Network Systems Specialist

Hayward, CA · On-site

$138K - $168K/yr

This individual is skilled in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network hardware, operating systems, and related systems, and is capable of effectively analyzing and resolving ...

Masco Corporation

Network Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$106K - $167K/yr

Experience with enterprise-level hardware and software systems and a thorough understanding of network operating systems, applications, and development tools. * Advanced knowledge of routing and ...

ActioNet

Network Engineer

San Diego, CA

Certification in a Network Operating System (ex: MS Windows Server, Linux, etc.) * SolarWinds Server and Application Monitor (SAM) Certified Professional * Experience or training with a Scripting ...

Auria

Network Engineer

Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

... Network Operating System (ex: MS Windows Server, Linux, etc.). • SolarWinds Server and Application Monitor (SAM) Certified Professional. • Experience or training with a Scripting Language (ex:

ActioNet

Network Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

Certification in a Network Operating System (ex: MS Windows Server, Linux, etc.) * SolarWinds Server and Application Monitor (SAM) Certified Professional * Experience or training with a Scripting ...

ActioNet, Inc.

Network Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

Certification in a Network Operating System (ex: MS Windows Server, Linux, etc.) * SolarWinds Server and Application Monitor (SAM) Certified Professional * Experience or training with a Scripting ...

ActioNet, Inc.

Network Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

Certification in a Network Operating System (ex: MS Windows Server, Linux, etc.) * SolarWinds Server and Application Monitor (SAM) Certified Professional * Experience or training with a Scripting ...

ActioNet

Network Engineer

San Diego, CA

$125K/yr

Certification in a Network Operating System (ex: MS Windows Server, Linux, etc.) * SolarWinds Server and Application Monitor (SAM) Certified Professional * Experience or training with a Scripting ...

ActioNet, Inc.

Network Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

Certification in a Network Operating System (ex: MS Windows Server, Linux, etc.) * SolarWinds Server and Application Monitor (SAM) Certified Professional * Experience or training with a Scripting ...

Rockstar Games

Senior Network Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

The Network Operations team is responsible for the delivery and support of Rockstar's Online ... Solid understanding of Cisco NX-OS operating system. * Solid understanding of the BGP routing ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsNetwork Operator JobsNetwork Operator Jobs in California

Network Operator information

See California salary details

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How much do network operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for network operator in California is $19.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $20.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a network operator?

Network operators are professionals responsible for managing, monitoring, and maintaining computer networks to ensure their smooth and secure operation. They oversee network infrastructure, handle troubleshooting, and respond to outages or performance issues. Network operators may work with both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), ensuring connectivity and reliability for organizations or service providers. Their role is crucial for keeping communication systems and IT services running efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Network Operator, you need solid knowledge of network protocols, troubleshooting, and infrastructure management, often supported by a degree in IT or a related field. Familiarity with network monitoring tools like Wireshark, Cisco equipment, and certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring network reliability, quick problem resolution, and maintaining secure and efficient operations.

What are some common challenges faced by network operators, and how can they be addressed?

Network Operators frequently encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex connectivity issues, managing network security threats, and ensuring minimal downtime during maintenance. Staying up-to-date with evolving technologies and protocols is essential, as networks often integrate new devices and services. Effective communication with other IT teams and end-users also plays a key role in quickly resolving incidents. Regular training, adopting automated monitoring tools, and following established incident response procedures can help address these challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Network Operator vs Network Technician?

AspectNetwork OperatorNetwork Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certifications like CompTIA Network+ are commonUsually requires an associate degree or technical certification; certifications like Cisco CCNA are common
Work EnvironmentOperates in data centers, network operations centers, or on-site at client locationsWorks in similar environments, often performing maintenance and troubleshooting
Job ResponsibilitiesMonitors network performance, manages network operations, and ensures uptimeInstalls, maintains, and troubleshoots network hardware and software issues

Both roles are essential in maintaining network infrastructure, with Network Operators focusing on overseeing network performance and operations, while Network Technicians handle hands-on hardware and software troubleshooting. They often work together to ensure seamless network functionality.

How much does a network operator make?

A network operator's average salary varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher wages, especially in environments requiring technical skills and troubleshooting expertise.

Is networking a high paying job?

Network operators typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may have moderate pay, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications like Cisco or CompTIA can earn higher wages. Overall, networking can be a well-paying career path within the IT industry.
Network Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Network Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,717 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Sr Principal Network Engineer

Summit Technologies and Consulting, Inc.

Ridgecrest, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description

The Sr Principal Network Engineer shall design, install, configure and troubleshoot wired and wireless network architectures. This includes routers, switches, VPN, IDS/IPS, SIEM, wireless access points, controllers, and other supporting devices and software used for monitoring, data collection and network security.

Qualifications

Applicant must currently hold at minimum a DoD Secret Clearance

The applicant's required technical competencies shall include

         Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of experience installing, configuring, troubleshooting wired and wireless networks

         Experience implementing and enforcing 802.1X/802.11 standards on networks.

         Experience working WPA Enterprise encryption standards.

         Thorough knowledge of and experience with firewall applications, set up, maintenance and troubleshooting. 

         Thorough knowledge of and experience with IPS / IDS

         Knowledge of and experience with VPN concentrators.  Worked with FIPS level encryption standard over networks. 

         Knowledge of and experience with implementing and managing a certificate authority for PKI

         Ability to use tools to detect rogue access points

         Ability to integrate wired and wireless networks to other enterprise systems

         Experience mitigating and isolating wireless attacks.

         Thorough knowledge of and ability to use various wireless client tools to detect and resolve issues

         Thorough knowledge of switches and routers (CCNP or better), CCIE desired

         Thorough knowledge of networking fundamentals including VLANs, subnets, protocols, and standards

         Thorough knowledge of and experience with Windows 10 and Server 2012 operating systems and Microsoft Active Directory. Principles, deployment and troubleshooting Active Directory applications in a large Enterprise environment.

         CompTIA Security+ or CCNA Security (DoD 8570 compliant)

         Network Operating System Certification (Cisco/Juniper/Aruba preferred)

         Microsoft Operating System Certification

The applicant's recommended technical competencies shall include

         Knowledge of HP Aruba wireless controllers. This includes the ability to create new wireless LANs, configure anchor controllers, configure APs, and configure wireless security and authentication.

         Knowledge of HP Aruba wireless access points and the ability to deploy and configure them.

         Knowledge of Aruba ClearPass

         Knowledge of and ability to use HP Aruba tools and software to analyze issues

         Knowledge of Juniper SRX VPN/firewalls and Juniper QFX switches series

         Knowledge of Cisco ASA firewalls and VPN concentrators.

         Knowledge of Cisco routers and switches and ISE

         Knowledge of Nessus, Solarwinds, StealthWatch

         Knowledge of Bluecoat Proxy

         Knowledge of OPSF, BGP, Multicast, IPv4, IPv6, QOS

         Knowledge of VMWare, Esxi

         Knowledge of Visio, able to create network diagrams, able to present how the network works.

         Microsoft Server 2012 and Active Directory.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Apply