IT network analyst job description.
Looking for an IT network analyst or aiming to specialise in diagnostics and performance? This job description outlines responsibilities such as analysing network data, managing traffic flow, identifying vulnerabilities, and supporting business continuity. You’ll also learn about required skills and average compensation.
What does an IT network analyst do?
An IT network analyst monitors, analyses, and optimises network performance to ensure high availability and minimal downtime. They work with both live environments and simulation tools to detect patterns and identify bottlenecks or vulnerabilities.
Responsibilities include analysing traffic flow, reviewing logs, proposing network upgrades, and supporting security incident investigations. They collaborate with engineers and security teams to deliver fast, resilient infrastructure.
In smaller organisations, this role may overlap with network administration. In enterprise settings, network analysts are often part of a performance or monitoring team focused on optimisation and scalability.
Key responsibilities of an IT network analyst.
Network analysts assess, optimise, and support enterprise network environments. Their responsibilities typically include:
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Analysing network traffic patterns and bandwidth usage
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Monitoring network performance using tools like Wireshark, SolarWinds, or PRTG
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Identifying bottlenecks, vulnerabilities, and configuration issues
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Recommending improvements to support scalability and availability
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Assisting with troubleshooting and incident root cause analysis
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Supporting upgrades and network redesign projects
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Collaborating with infrastructure, security, and application teams
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Maintaining logs, audit trails, and compliance reports
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Testing failover, redundancy, and DR capabilities
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Assisting in security audits and penetration tests
This role blends technical analysis with proactive performance and optimisation work.
Skills and requirements for an IT network analyst.
Network analysts monitor, analyse, and report network performance and security. Employers typically look for:
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3–5 years of experience in networking or infrastructure support
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Ability to analyse logs, monitor traffic, and identify anomalies
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Experience using network monitoring tools and dashboards
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Understanding of network protocols, topologies, and routing
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Familiarity with VPNs, firewalls, and access policies
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Confidence working with infrastructure and cybersecurity teams
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Strong documentation and reporting skills
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Skilled in proactive issue prevention and performance tuning
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Awareness of compliance and audit-ready practices
Most network analysts bridge operations and security, maintaining stable, protected networks.
Average salary for an IT network analyst.
In the UK, the average salary for an IT network analyst typically ranges from £30,000 to £45,000, depending on data flow monitoring, diagnostic tools, and performance tuning experience.
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Mid-level analysts usually earn between £30,000 and £37,000
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Senior professionals analysing complex network configurations may earn between £38,000 and £45,000
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Roles involving network security or compliance tend to offer higher pay
Top salaries are found in telecoms, cloud infrastructure, and cyber security-focused organisations.
Career progression for an IT network analyst.
An IT network analyst focuses on performance monitoring, usage trends, and troubleshooting within digital infrastructure. This analytical role leads into engineering, architecture, or security pathways. A typical journey includes:
Network technician / Junior analyst
Monitors traffic, resolves user access issues, and supports routine maintenance.
IT network analyst
Analyses data flow, network performance, and system bottlenecks. Works with engineers to implement optimisations.
Network engineer / Optimisation lead
Takes ownership of traffic management, hardware refresh planning, and QoS implementation.
Network architect / Performance lead
Designs scalable, redundant networks for large environments. Advises on vendor and security standards.
Director of network operations / Infrastructure strategy
Oversees global network design, transformation projects, and aligns with broader digital innovation plans.
salary guide
Our UK IT salary guide.
Network analysts monitor and troubleshoot infrastructure performance. Pay should reflect their role in incident prevention, analysis, and improvement planning.
Use our UK IT salary guide to benchmark network analytics roles, compare hiring data from 2024, and access projections through to 2026.
FAQS
IT network analyst FAQs.
They monitor, evaluate, and optimise network performance — ensuring consistent uptime, flagging anomalies, and analysing bandwidth usage. They often feed insights into infrastructure planning and incident prevention strategies.
While administrators manage configuration and engineers build networks, analysts focus on monitoring and improvement. It’s more diagnostic than hands-on — identifying trends and weaknesses through data.
SolarWinds, Wireshark, Nagios, PRTG, and NetFlow analyzers are common. Analysts also use reporting dashboards and often contribute to incident response reviews and root cause documentation.
Large businesses with complex WANs or multi-site setups — such as retail chains, banks, or public sector networks. Anywhere performance data needs to be reviewed and acted on regularly.
Progression often leads to network engineer, infrastructure analyst, or security operations centre (SOC) analyst roles. Some also specialise in performance optimisation or vendor management.
