Network Engineers are responsible for the design, maintenance, and operation of communication networks. The median annual wage for network engineers (also known as network and computer systems administrators) was $84,810 in 2020. That is higher than the average mid-tier annual salary in the United States of around $45-65,000. The highest paying types of network engineers are senior infrastructure engineer, senior network engineer, and information engineer. A network engineer is an information technology (IT) professional whose focus is to build and maintain an organization’s computing network. This can include working with computers, firewall needs, as well as network configurations.

• At first glance, you might be thinking that this sounds a lot like a Back-End Engineer, but there are key differences between these professionals.
• But in addition to that, they can provide the communication networks that every employee at a company requires, like their phone system, internal network, and file transfer programs.
• But as you gain experience in the field, you can increase your pay through raises and bonuses.
• A network engineer is an information technology (IT) professional whose focus is to build and maintain an organization’s computing network.
• Network engineers earn the highest average salary in California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Nevada.

You might be specializing in phone network systems, or you might be dreaming up the next networking standard to be pitched to a management team. Careers in programming can lead to just about any industry you’re interested in, so do your research and whittle down your top companies and job descriptions. Then, you’ll be able to hone in on the exact skills you’ll require for the career path you want. The average network engineer salary has risen by $15,247 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average network engineer earned $68,310 annually, but today, they earn $83,557 a year.

What skills are needed to become a Network Engineer?

You know if you are being paid fairly as a Network Engineer if your pay is close to the average pay for the how to become a windows network engineer state you live in. For example, if you live in Washington you should be paid close to $99,767 per year.

• This is typical for many senior-level positions, but, as most jobs go, it also depends on location and industry.
• Some of these factors include your location, education, experience level, and other factors can play a role in your total compensation.
• However, an increasing number of networking professionals are building up their skills in coding boot camps and certification programs.
• That works out to a 9% change in pay for network engineers over the last decade.
• In that sense,  they are essential to keeping teams connected to business data and one another every day.
• Keep in mind that this number is an average, so if you are just starting out, you might make less than six figures.
• As you advance in your career, you may expect to receive an increase in salary.
• Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Network engineer salaries at The Citadel and Meta are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average network engineer salary at companies like Apple and PayPal are highly competitive. Maybe you’ve seen a job posting recently for a Network Engineer and wondered what they do, and just as importantly, how much they make. Network Engineers are specialized professionals who function as the backbone of many organizations, keeping computer systems, networks, and databases running.

Average network engineer salary by state

That works out to a 9% change in pay for network engineers over the last decade. If you’re just starting out on your learning journey, check out our Computer Science Career Path, which will teach you the coding skills you’ll need. If you already have experience in programming, consider leveling up some of your skills or adding on new specialties, like cybersecurity or computer architecture.