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
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Computer Network Architects (SOC 15-1241, the closest published occupation to Network Engineer) at a national median of $134,050 per year (mean $139,580), or $64.45 per hour, with 179,740 people employed nationwide. Salario's $97,000 median above is a title-level estimate and is not rescaled to this broader occupation. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
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
How much does a Network Engineer make in 2026?
Salario's modeled 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. For reference, BLS OEWS May 2025 reports a $134,050 national median for the broader occupation Computer Network Architects (SOC 15-1241).
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: Network Engineer has no exact BLS occupation. The national median, tiers, state and city figures are Salario estimates for the title; the closest published BLS occupation (Computer Network Architects, SOC 15-1241) is shown above for reference but is not used to rescale the model because its wage level does not describe this title.
- National median salary: $97,000, Salario estimate (not a BLS value).
- Entry-level ($56,000) and senior-level ($130,000) are Salario tiers; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 180K total positions nationwide (Salario estimate).
- 5-year salary growth: 13% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Technology sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $97,000; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
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 Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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