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
Related Technology Jobs
Network Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a Network Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Network Engineer in the United States is $97,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $56,000, while senior professionals earn up to $130,000. Top earners in the field can make $165,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Network Engineer?
A Network Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 3-5 years of experience. Key skills include Cisco, Routing, Switching. Relevant certifications such as CCNA or CCNP can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Network Engineers?
The job market for Network Engineers is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 180K Network Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 13%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Network Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for Network Engineers include Virginia, Texas, California. In Virginia, the median salary is approximately $103,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Network Engineer salary?
To increase your Network Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Cisco and Routing. Pursue certifications such as CCNA. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Washington DC. With 3-5 years of experience, you can progress from $56,000 to $130,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Network Engineer Salary
How we calculate Network Engineer salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $97,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Network Engineer in the Technology sector.
- Entry-level ($56,000) and senior-level ($130,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 180K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Technology sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $97,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Network Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Network Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Technology
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Network Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Cisco, Routing, Switching), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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