As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Network Engineer - Project Lead in the United States is $133,770 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.
However, a Network Engineer - Project Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Network Engineer - Project Lead'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 Engineer - Project Lead'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Network Engineer | 2-4 years | $94,098 |
| Network Implementation Engineer III | 4-7 years | $113,829 |
| Network Engineer - Project Lead | 7+ years | $133,762 |
| Network Implementation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $153,157 |
| Network Implementation Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $191,649 |
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 Engineer - Project Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Networking | 8.74% |
| Network Infrastructure | 2.73% |
| TCP/IP | 2.32% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Solution Design
|
$147,147 |
10%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$141,796 |
6%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$140,459 |
5%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$139,121 |
4%
|
|
AWS
|
$139,121 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$137,783 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Network Engineer - Project Leads 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 Engineer - Project Lead with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $129,057 and $134,571).
Network Engineer - Project Lead Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 20.3% |
| Associates | 11.2% |
| Bachelors | 47.6% |
| Masters | 19.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.5% |
Understanding how a Network Engineer - Project Lead'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 March 01, 2026For a Network Engineer - Project Lead, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Network Implementation Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $153,200 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
Salaries for a Network Engineer - Project Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $113,188 in 2023 to around $105,327 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Network Engineer - Project Lead salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $113,188 |
| 2024 | $107,131 |
| 2025 | $105,327 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The salary for a Network Engineer with 7 years of experience typically ranges from $125,750 to $146,070, with a mid-salary of $135,480. This reflects the competitive compensation for skilled professionals in this field, highlighting the value of experience and expertise in network engineering.
The highest salary for a Network Engineer - Project Lead is $146,070 annually, with a minimum of $125,750 and a midpoint of $135,480. Other roles like Network Architect typically range from $120,000 to $150,000, while Senior Network Engineer and Network Security Engineer also offer competitive salaries within this range.
Can a network engineer make $500,000? Yes, but it's unlikely for most network engineers. The salary range for a Network Engineer - Project Lead typically falls between $125,750 and $146,070, with a mid-salary of $135,480. Achieving $500,000 would require exceptional circumstances or roles in high-demand markets.
The role of a Project Engineer can indeed be stressful due to the high pressure of meeting deadlines and managing intricate technical requirements. With a salary range from $125,750 to $146,070, the financial rewards may reflect the demanding nature of the job. Balancing responsibilities and expectations is crucial for success in this position.
The estimated salary for a Network Engineer - Project Lead ranges from $125,750 to $146,070 per year, with a midpoint (mid-salary) of $135,480. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field.
The highest-paid engineers in the USA are typically in specialized roles. For instance, a Network Engineer - Project Lead can expect a salary ranging from $125,750 to $146,070, with a median salary of $135,480. This positions them competitively among other engineering disciplines, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in the tech industry.
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.)
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