Will AI replace network operations center analysts?
This role is highly vulnerable as AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) platforms can monitor, detect, and resolve network issues faster than humans. Entry-level monitoring roles will largely disappear in favor of automated systems.
Why AI struggles to replace this job
- Physical network failures (e.g., a cut fiber optic cable) still require human physical intervention.
- Coordinating between multiple external service providers during a major outage requires human communication.
- AI may struggle to prioritize which system to fix first during a simultaneous multi-point failure.
- Highly customized, non-standard network topologies can confuse current AI models.
Tasks AI could automate
- Monitoring network traffic and alerting on deviations from the baseline.
- Automatically restarting services or servers when they stop responding.
- Classifying and routing incoming support tickets based on severity.
- Generating daily uptime and performance reports for management.
The 10-year outlook
The traditional 'eyes-on-glass' monitor role will decline significantly. Those in this field must transition to network engineering or cybersecurity to maintain their career longevity and salary growth.
Common questions
Will AI replace network operations center analysts?
This role is highly vulnerable as AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) platforms can monitor, detect, and resolve network issues faster than humans. Entry-level monitoring roles will largely disappear in favor of automated systems.
What is the AI replacement risk for network operations center analysts?
Network Operations Center Analyst scores 70/100 — This career is highly exposed to AI automation. Roughly 85% of the tasks in this role could be automated with current and near-future AI.
How much do network operations center analysts earn?
The US median salary for a network operations center analyst is about $65,000 per year, with projected employment growth of -5% over the next decade (declining).