Networking job market insights report: Trends and statistics for the UK network sector [January 26]
Based on current data taken from Adzuna, one of the UK's largest job search engines, we've identified the clear trends and figures that define the state of the computer networking sector job market today. This report was last updated on 28 January 2026.
What's on this page?
Jump to:
- Networking salary trends
- Trends in demand for networking professionals
- Industries hiring networking professionals in 2026
- Common benefits offers for networking roles
- Trends in remote and hybrid working for networking roles
- Demand by location for networking roles
- Where does this data come from and what does it mean?
- Is a networking career for you?
Network salaries are 59.5% above the national average
- Despite an incline at the very beginning of 2026, the mean salary for networking roles remains far higher than the national average.
- The mean salary for data roles October 2025 to January 2026 inclusively is £67,681, which represents a 10.2% YoY increase.
Demand for network professionals remains high compared to the national average
- The total number of unique postings for data job roles on the Adzuna website, October 2025 to January 2026: 4,590, representing a 0.4% YoY increase.
- The number of new postings for data job roles on the Adzuna website, October 2025 to January 2026: 3,687, representing a 4.7% YoY increase.
Defence and manufacturing industries among the top hiring network professionals
As we move into 2026, this data demonstrates that the need for networking professionals goes beyond just tech, spanning various different industries.
Top benefits for network roles include life insurance and flexible working
The data above is calculated from 1,955 (42.6%) unique network job role postings.
2,028 (44.2%) unique postings offered at least one benefit.
Almost a quarter of network roles are flexible or remote
- 33.21% of networking job roles were listed on Adzuna as hybrid or flexible roles.
- 58.40% required on-site work - this is due to the necessity of physical access to network infrastructure for maintenance, troubleshooting, and security reasons.
- 8.39% were fully remote.
The South East and North West has the highest demand for network professionals
London leads data job demand with 1,170 job openings on Adzuna, reflecting its status as a major business hub. The South East follows with 805 unique postings, and the North West with 413 for the period October 2025 to January 2026.
Where does this data come from and what does it mean?
To create this report, we've partnered with Adzuna, one of the UK's biggest job search engine platforms and an extremely comprehensive source of job market data.
Based on millions of job postings, the Adzuna Intelligence database gives us a better understand of job or specific role demand in the network sector. It also helps us identify trends related to salary, geographic location within the UK, the kinds of benefits that are being offered to networking professionals, and much more.
These insights into the data job market provide an overview of October 2025 - January 2026.
The purpose of this? To give you insight into the job market that can guide your career choices as well as decision about training and development within the network sector, ensuring better alignment with market demands.
The following data job titles were included when collecting the data for this report:
Find out if a career in networking is right for you
Learning People are here to help you unlock your potential.
Our network certification courses will provide you the industry relevant skills and knowledge to succeed in a career as a network professional.
With flexible learning options, career support, and certifications from industry leaders, we’ll empower you to take the next step toward your dream career in networking.
Ready to find the right path for you? Start your cloud journey with Learning People and get in touch today.
Read our latest articles
AIThe Uses and Impact of AI in Project Management
Did you know that Project Management is one of the leading sectors in AI transformation and adoption across the globe? Whether you're looking to start or progress your Project Management career, make sure you understand how AI is being used in project-based roles and how this is impacting the industry.
Read More
Corporate & Office Jobs AdviceStarting a New Job: A Guide to Navigating Your First Days and Weeks at a New Workplace
Starting a new job soon? Get clear, practical advice to reduce anxiety, make a strong first impression, and settle into your first weeks with confidence.
Read More
DataWhat Soft Skills Do Data Analysts and Data Scientists Need?
Discover the soft skills Data Analysts and Data Scientists need to succeed, from communication to problem-solving, plus how to build them for your data career.
Read More
Cyber SecurityWhat Soft Skills Do Cyber Security Professionals Need?
Discover the essential soft skills you need to succeed in cyber security, why employers value them, and how to build them alongside your technical training.
Read More