What Is the Average Salary of a Network Engineer?

By Business & Finance Last updated Monday, October/21/2024

Qualifications

Virtually all positions for network engineers require a formal education. A bachelor's degree in computer science and/or network engineering will be required. Those who obtain a master's in a related area or a master's of business administration (MBA) will likely be more competitive in the job market and therefore obtain a higher salary. Depending on the employer, previous experience or internships may be necessary or beneficial.

The economic conditions of the neighborhood, city, or state of a company may have an influence on the salary that it pays to its computer professionals. The cost of living also plays a significant role in determining wages. For example, a network engineer will average between $49,368 and $75,207 in the state of Illinois. However, in California, a state known for its higher housing costs, a network engineer can average between $61,606 and $90,841 annually. The national average salary range network for engineers is $49,903 to $74,627 a year, according to PayScale.com in December 2010.

Many different employer types offer different working experiences as well as varying incomes. A network engineer employed by a primary or secondary school or district will earn an average of $43,186 to $67,205 annually. Working for a company will bring a higher salary -- from $49,770 to $75,576. Working for the government may provide a slightly higher salary, ranging from $51,745 to $78,940 a year.

As with most professions, the more experience you have as a network engineer, the more likely you will be able to obtain a higher salary. For example, a recently graduated IT professional with less than one year of experience will average between $39,805 and $59,857 a year. However, after 20 years of experience in the field, she can expect to make an average of $65,051 to $93,756. Another major factor is the level of the position a network engineer holds. At Verizon, a standard network engineer will average $71,724 a year, but his superior, a senior network engineer will earn $15,000 more, or $86,700 annually, according to Glassdoor.com.