As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Network Administrator I in the United States is $73,499 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Network Administrator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Network Administrator I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Network Administrator I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Network Administrator I | 0-2 years | $73,499 |
| Network Administrator II | 2-4 years | $91,565 |
| Network Administrator III | 4-7 years | $109,874 |
| Network Administrator IV | 7+ years | $125,847 |
| Network Administrator V | 7-10 years | $146,672 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Network Administrator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.56% |
| VMware | 3.05% |
| Installation | 2.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Engineering
|
$80,114 |
9%
|
|
Consulting
|
$77,909 |
6%
|
|
Cybersecurity
|
$77,909 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$77,174 |
5%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$77,174 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$77,174 |
5%
|
Network Administrator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,208. While startup companies pay approximate $69,523.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,523 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,532 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $79,388 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $82,208 |
For Network Administrator I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Network Administrator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Network Administrator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $95,549 | $46.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $88,199 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $88,199 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $84,524 | $41.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $84,524 | $41.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Network Administrator Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Network Administrator I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $65,654 and $69,652).
Network Administrator I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 22.9% |
| Associates | 33.4% |
| Bachelors | 38.8% |
| Masters | 4.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.1% |
Understanding how a Network Administrator I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Network Administrator I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Capacity Analyst | $91,063 | 24% |
| Client/Server Operations Supervisor | $112,031 | 52% |
| LAN/WAN Administrator | $91,565 | 25% |
| Network Administrator II | $91,565 | 25% |
Salaries for a Network Administrator I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $67,363 in 2023 to around $67,487 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Network Administrator I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $67,363 |
| 2024 | $67,840 |
| 2025 | $67,487 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Network Administrator I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Network Administrator I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Network Administrator I is $92,704.
The highest pay for Network Administrator I is $85,317.
The lowest pay for Network Administrator I is $65,087.
Responsible for the daily administration of a network and server environment. Installs, configures, and maintains system software. Monitors network performance, troubleshoots issues, and deploys solutions. Documents network issues and events using standard formats. Plans and implements upgrades, patches, and new applications and equipment installation. Uses scripting and writes basic programs to automate processes. Maintains and follows disaster recovery, security, backup, and restore plans. May evaluate new tools or equipment and perform analysis/feasibility studies to guide decisions on optimizing network performance. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. May require Network Administrator Certification. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Network Administrator I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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