Network Engineer Salary in USA 2025
Infrastructure, security, and cloud networking specializations
Average Network Engineer Salary
How Much Do Network Engineers Earn in 2025?
Network engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks including LANs, WANs, intranets, and cloud infrastructure. They ensure network availability, performance, and security for organizations of all sizes.
2025 network engineer salaries show strong earning potential: average $85,000–$115,000, with entry-level CCNA-certified engineers starting at $65,000–$85,000 and senior network architects earning $130,000–$180,000+.
Specialization significantly impacts pay: network security engineers command $100,000–$140,000, cloud network engineers earn $110,000–$150,000, and CCIE-certified experts reach $130,000–$180,000. Infrastructure vs. security focus creates 20–40% salary differences. For context, see the average salary in the US and jobs that pay $100K.
Network Engineer Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| National Average | $85,000–$115,000 |
| Entry-Level (CCNA) | $65,000–$85,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $85,000–$110,000 |
| Senior (7+ yrs) | $110,000–$145,000 |
| Network Architect | $130,000–$180,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $40–$70/hour |
| Bonus (typical) | 5–15% |
Use our salary calculator to convert hourly rates.
Network Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Typical Certifications |
|---|---|---|
| Junior (0–2 yrs) | $65,000–$85,000 | CCNA, CompTIA Network+ |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $85,000–$110,000 | CCNP, Security+ |
| Senior (5–10 yrs) | $110,000–$145,000 | CCNP specialty, CCIE written |
| Principal/Architect (10+ yrs) | $130,000–$180,000 | CCIE, cloud certs |
Junior Network Engineer (0–2 Years)
Salary: $65,000–$85,000
Focus: Network monitoring, basic troubleshooting, switch/router configuration, documentation.
Certifications: CCNA required by most employers, CompTIA Network+ helpful.
Mid-Level Network Engineer (3–5 Years)
Salary: $85,000–$110,000
Focus: Network design, firewall management, VPN configuration, performance optimization.
Certifications: CCNP Enterprise or Security, wireless specialization.
Senior Network Engineer (5–10 Years)
Salary: $110,000–$145,000
Focus: Architecture decisions, complex troubleshooting, vendor management, team leadership.
Network Architect (10+ Years)
Salary: $130,000–$180,000
Focus: Enterprise architecture, strategic planning, technology roadmaps, executive communication.
Infrastructure vs. Security Focus: Salary Comparison
| Specialization | Salary Range | Premium vs Base |
|---|---|---|
| Network Security Engineer | $100K–$140K | +20–30% |
| Cloud Network Engineer | $110K–$150K | +25–40% |
| SD-WAN Specialist | $95K–$130K | +15–25% |
| Wireless Network Engineer | $85K–$115K | +5–10% |
| Infrastructure Engineer (base) | $80K–$110K | Baseline |
Network Security Engineer (Highest Premium)
Salary: $100,000–$140,000 (+20–30% premium)
Focus: Firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, security audits, threat response, compliance.
Certifications: CCNP Security, CISSP, CEH, Security+.
Demand: Very high due to increasing cyber threats and compliance requirements.
Cloud Network Engineer
Salary: $110,000–$150,000 (+25–40% premium)
Focus: AWS/Azure/GCP networking, VPCs, cloud firewalls, hybrid connectivity, automation.
Certifications: AWS Advanced Networking, Azure Network Engineer, GCP Professional.
Trend: Fastest-growing specialization as organizations migrate to cloud.
SD-WAN Specialist
Salary: $95,000–$130,000 (+15–25% premium)
Focus: Software-defined WAN design, deployment, optimization across multi-branch environments.
Certification Impact on Network Engineer Salary
| Certification | Salary Premium | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| CCIE (any track) | +$30K–$50K | $130K–$180K |
| CCNP Enterprise | +$15K–$25K | $95K–$130K |
| CCNP Security | +$20K–$30K | $100K–$140K |
| AWS Advanced Networking | +$20K–$35K | $110K–$150K |
| CCNA | +$5K–$15K | $65K–$85K |
| CompTIA Network+ | +$3K–$8K | $55K–$70K |
CCIE: The Gold Standard
Salary: $130,000–$180,000
CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) is the most prestigious network certification. Only ~50,000 active CCIEs worldwide. Requires extensive hands-on lab exam. Tracks include Enterprise Infrastructure, Security, Data Center, Service Provider, and Collaboration.
Certification Path Recommendation
Year 0–1: CCNA (foundation, entry requirement)
Year 2–3: CCNP Enterprise or Security (specialization)
Year 3–5: Cloud certifications (AWS/Azure networking)
Year 5+: CCIE (expert level, major salary jump)
Network Engineer Salary by Location
| Location | Salary Range | Premium vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120K–$160K | +35–45% |
| New York, NY | $110K–$150K | +25–35% |
| Seattle, WA | $105K–$145K | +20–30% |
| Washington, DC | $100K–$140K | +15–25% |
| Austin, TX | $90K–$125K | +5–15% |
| National Average | $85K–$115K | Baseline |
| Remote (US) | $80K–$120K | Variable |
Washington, DC Area
Salary: $100,000–$140,000 (+15–25%)
Government contractors and federal agencies create high demand. Security clearance adds $10K–$25K premium. Defense, intelligence, and federal IT sectors dominate.
Network Engineer Salary by Industry
| Industry | Salary Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Technology/Cloud Providers | $110K–$160K | Highest pay, cutting-edge tech |
| Finance/Banking | $100K–$145K | Security focus, compliance |
| Telecommunications | $90K–$130K | Large-scale networks, carrier experience |
| Government/Defense | $85K–$125K | Clearances, benefits, stability |
| Healthcare | $80K–$115K | HIPAA, clinical systems |
| Manufacturing | $75K–$105K | OT/IT convergence, reliability focus |
How to Increase Your Network Engineer Salary
Pursue CCIE Certification
CCIE adds $30K–$50K premium. CCIE-certified engineers earn $130K–$180K versus $85K–$115K average.
Specialize in Security
Network security engineers earn $100K–$140K (+20–30% versus infrastructure).
Add Cloud Networking Skills
Cloud network engineers earn $110K–$150K (+25–40%). AWS/Azure networking expertise in high demand.
Target Tech/Finance Industries
Tech companies pay $110K–$160K versus manufacturing $75K–$105K (+45–50%).
Relocate to Tech Hubs
SF/NYC pay $110K–$160K versus national $85K–$115K (+30–40%).
Obtain Security Clearance
Clearance adds $10K–$25K for government/defense roles.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Career Path and Related Roles
| Career Stage | Position | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Junior Network Engineer | $65K–$85K |
| Mid | Network Engineer | $85K–$110K |
| Senior | Senior Network Engineer | $110K–$145K |
| Expert | Network Architect | $130K–$180K |
| Management | Network Engineering Manager | $140K–$190K |
Related High-Paying Roles
Cloud Architect: $150,000–$200,000
Security Architect: $140,000–$190,000
DevOps Engineer: $100,000–$150,000
IT Support: $45,000–$95,000 (feeder role)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average network engineer salary in 2025?
Network engineers earn $85,000–$115,000 on average. Entry-level (CCNA) earns $65,000–$85,000, mid-level $85,000–$110,000, senior $110,000–$145,000, and architects $130,000–$180,000. Security and cloud specializations pay 20–40% premiums.
How much does CCNA certification increase salary?
CCNA typically adds $5,000–$15,000 and opens entry to network engineering roles at $65K–$85K. More importantly, CCNA is often a minimum requirement for network engineer positions. CCNP adds $15K–$25K, and CCIE adds $30K–$50K.
Do network security engineers make more than infrastructure engineers?
Yes, significantly. Network security engineers earn $100K–$140K versus infrastructure engineers at $80K–$110K—a 20–30% premium. Growing cybersecurity threats and compliance requirements drive this demand differential.
Is CCIE worth it for salary increase?
Yes. CCIE-certified engineers earn $130K–$180K versus $85K–$115K average—a $30K–$50K premium. However, CCIE requires significant investment: 1–2 years of study, ~$1,500 exam fees, and intensive 8-hour lab exam. ROI is excellent for committed professionals.
What's the job outlook for network engineers?
Strong and evolving. Traditional networking is shifting to cloud and software-defined approaches. Network engineers who add cloud (AWS/Azure), automation (Python, Ansible), and security skills have excellent prospects. BLS projects continued demand in computer network occupations.