Career in Computer Hardware & Networking: Courses, Jobs, Salary

Have you ever experimented with your computer and wondered how its different parts are interconnected?

Or are you curious about the technology that enables computers to share data seamlessly?

If so, Computer Hardware & Networking might be the perfect field for you!

Computer Hardware is the combination of physical components or parts that makes the computer system. Physical components include monitor, keyboard, mouse, hard disk drive, graphic card, RAM, motherboard etc.

Networking is the field of computer science that allows computers to exchange data or information. Data can be exchanged either using cable media or through wireless media.

Internet is the largest example of computer networking in the world.

In this article, we will explore about the career in computer hardware and networking. Check complete details about courses, eligibility criteria, career prospects and job opportunities.

Also Check: Popular Engineering Courses

Courses & Programmes

Looking for the courses in this field?

The computer hardware and networking is one of the key field in IT, offering various certification, diploma, and degree programs

Candidates can pursue courses ranging from certificate level to master’s level. Below are the list of popular courses:

1. Certificate Courses (3-6 Months)

• CompTIA A+ Certification
• CompTIA Network+ Certification
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Hardware and Networking Basics Certificate
• Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

2. Diploma Courses (6 Months – 1 Year)

• Diploma in Computer Hardware & Networking
• Diploma in Network Administration
• Diploma in IT Infrastructure Management
• Diploma in Cloud Computing & Networking
• Advanced Diploma in Computer Hardware & Networking

3. Undergraduate Courses (3-4 Years)

• B.Sc. in Computer Hardware & Networking
• B.Tech in Computer Science (Networking & Security)
• BCA with Networking Specialization

4. Postgraduate Courses (2 Years)

• M.Sc. in Networking & Cyber Security
• M.Tech in Network Engineering
• MBA in IT Infrastructure & Networking

5. Online Industry Specific Certifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Google IT Support Professional Certificate
• Linux+ Certification

One can easily make their career in hardware and networking field after completing B.E./B.Tech or MCA courses in computer science engineering.

In India, there are many renowned colleges that offers courses in hardware and networking field. The courses prepare students for careers as Network Administrators, IT Support Engineers, System Administrators, Cybersecurity Specialists.

Eligibility Criteria

Below is the eligibility criteria for pursuing various programs in computer hardware and networking or similar programs:

Apart from these eligibility conditions, candidates need to meet any university specific eligibility criteria.

Admission Process

The admission process for Computer Hardware and Networking courses varies based on the level of the course:

Diploma Programs – Admission on the basis of diploma/polytechnic entrance exams.

B.Sc (IT), BCA – Admission on the basis of university specific entrance exams or national level exams like CUET UG.

B.Tech – Admission on the basis of national level exams like JEE Main.

Online certification programs – direct admission

Some of the popular entrance exams for admission in above courses are listed below:

• JEE Main 2025
• CUET UG 2025
• IIT JAM 2025
• GATE 2025

Jobs & Career Scope

What is the career scope in computer hardware and networking field?

With the growing IT infrastucture, the demand of skilled hardware and networking professionals is on the rise. Candidates can find career opportunities in IT companies, Goverment organizations, telecom companies and hardware manufacturing firms.

Where hardware professionals are employed?

As IT infrastructure is the backbone of modern businesses and companies across industries largely depend on the seamless network connectivity, data security, and efficient system operations to function smoothly.

These professionals find career opportunities in IT firms, telecom companies, universities/colleges, banking and finance companies etc.

Candidates can also work as a system administrator, IT engineer, or network engineer in schools, colleges, hospitals, or research organizations.

Candidates having good expereince can explore freelancing and Entrepreneurship opportunities by starting hardware repair or network consulting business.

After earning master’s degree in hardware and networking, individuals can find employment in colleges or universities for the post of lecturer.

Job Titles of computer hardware engineers:

Based on the qualification and technical experience, one can be appointed at different positions. The common Job profiles for the hardware and networking professionals are given below:

• Systems Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Systems Integration Engineer
• Project Engineer
• Field Service Engineer

Job Titles in Networking is as follows:

• System administrator
• Network Engineer
• Technical Support
• IT administrator
• Network administrator
• Security Database development and administration

For a good position in large firms, master’s degree in computer science engineering is needed. It broadens career opportunities for computer hardware engineers.

Duties of Computer Hardware Engineers

Hardware professionals deal with various hardware components such as chips, computer systems, motherboard, processor, RAM, circuit boards, modems, external hard disks, printers and keyboards.

To succeed in this field, one must have a strong understanding of all hardware components and their functionalities.

• Design computer hardware and supervise the production of computer hardware equipment.
• Perform testing and verifying hardware equipments.
• Update existing computer equipment to make it compatible with the latest softwares.
• Provides support to technicians and other technical support personnel.
• Ensure that computer works faster and efficiently.

Duties of Network Engineer

The network professionals works on the devices like Router, Switch, Modem, Hub and Data card (Dongle). Network Interface Cards (NICs) are the most common type of hardware network on a network.

• Monitoring the network performance and security.
• Perform network maintenance and ensure networks are running smoothly and efficiently.
• Maintain system back up.
• Support network and computing infrastructure.
• Configuring and installing various network devices (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, VPN, QoS).

Top Recruiters

Here some of the renowned companies that recruits hardware and networking professionals:

• Intel Corporation
• CISCO
• Amazon
• Acer India (Pvt) Ltd
• Dell
• Casio India Company
• HCL
• TCS
• Infosys
• Wipro
• Accenture

Salary

How much salary does hardware and networking professional earns?

The entry level salary for hardware and networking engineers is in the range ₹3 – ₹5 LPA. The salary largely depend on the candidate work experience, job profile and the employer.

Candidates have professional certification like AWS, CCNA, CompTIA and skills in networking, server management and cybersecurity earn higher salaries and often get employed in large MNC’s and a very good salary package.

The salary of mid level professionals with 3-5 years of experience is in the range ₹6 – ₹10 LPA. The salary of professionals also depend on job location as IT hubs like Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad offer higher salaries compared to smaller cities.

Hardware and networking professional having 5-10 years of experience and specialization in advanced roles in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI-driven networking are paid in the range ₹10 LPA to 30 LPA.

Books & Study Materials

Some of the best books to study computer hardware and networking is mentioned below:

• Computer Hardware & Networking – Vishnu P. Singh
• Hardware & Networking – Vikas Gupta
• Eureka Advanced: Hardware and Networking – B.S. Yadav
• Fifth Edition Computer Networks – Larry L. Peterson, Bruce S. Davie
• Fundamentals of Computer Hardware – Mandeep S. Bhatia
• Computer Hardware and Networking – Pankaj Kumar
• Computer Hardware – Ashish Choudhary
• The principles of computer hardware – Alan Clement’s
• The Architecture of Computer Hardware, Systems Software & Networking: An Information Technology Approach – IRV Englander

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