Network Engineer Salary
by City (2026)
Design, implement, and manage computer networks for organizations. National median: $100K/year. See how your city compares.
Network Engineer salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $100K Network Engineer salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βNetwork Engineer Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Network Engineer is $100,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $75,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $130,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Network Engineers nationally earn $165,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's in IT or CS; CCNA/CCNP certifications. This role is 45% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Network Engineer compensation is growing at 3% annually, near the national average wage growth rate.
Network Engineer salary FAQ
How much does a Network Engineer make?
The median Network Engineer salary in the US is $100,000 per year β about $48/hour. Most earn between $75,000 (25th percentile) and $130,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Network Engineer?
Entry-level Network Engineer positions typically start around $75,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Network Engineers earn?
The top 10% of Network Engineers earn $165,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Network Engineers the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Network Engineer salary at $165K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Network Engineer salaries going up?
Yes β Network Engineer pay is growing about 3% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.