Network Engineer Salary in 2026
Network engineers design, implement, and manage computer networks including LANs, WANs, and cloud networks. They troubleshoot connectivity issues and optimize network performance and security.
Median Salary
$97,000
$8,083/mo
Entry Level
$56,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$130,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Network Engineer Overview
Network engineers design, implement, and manage computer networks including LANs, WANs, and cloud networks. They troubleshoot connectivity issues and optimize network performance and security.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
3-5 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
180K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$46.63/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,083
Network Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Network Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Network Engineer Salary
$105,000
$8,750/month · $4,038/biweekly · $50.48/hr
Network Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Network Engineer field.
Entry-level Network Engineers earn around $56,000, while the top 10% earn $147,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Network Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $114,000 | +$17,000 |
| New York | $112,000 | +$15,000 |
| Maryland | $105,000 | +$8,000 |
| Virginia | $103,000 | +$6,000 |
| Texas | $95,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Network Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $121,000 | +$24,000 |
| New York | $114,000 | +$17,000 |
| Washington DC | $112,000 | +$15,000 |
| Baltimore | $101,000 | +$4,000 |
| Dallas | $97,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Network Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Network Engineer from entry level to expert.
$56,000
0-2 years
$93,000
3-7 years
$130,000
8-14 years
$165,000
15+ years
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Network Engineer Salary FAQ
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