As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Network Engineer - Project Lead in California is $147,570 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.
However, a Network Engineer - Project Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Network Engineer - Project Lead Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $159,190 | $13,266 | $3,061 | $77 |
| Average | $147,570 | $12,298 | $2,838 | $71 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,650 | $11,138 | $2,570 | $64 |
Kimmel and Associates - Irvine, CA
Kimmel and Associates - Los Angeles, CA
Kimmel and Associates - Carlsbad, CA
Kimmel and Associates - San Diego, CA
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, 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 | $103,799 |
| Network Implementation Engineer III | 4-7 years | $125,566 |
| Network Engineer - Project Lead | 7+ years | $147,566 |
| Network Implementation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $168,955 |
| Network Implementation Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $211,399 |
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:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Network Engineer - Project Lead salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $165,056. While startup companies pay approximate $139,588.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $139,588 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $147,636 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $159,393 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $165,056 |
For Network Engineer - Project Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 49% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Network Engineer - Project Lead positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Network Engineer - Project Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $184,462 | $89.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $162,327 | $78.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $162,327 | $78.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $162,327 | $78.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $159,376 | $77.0 | 8% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $159,190 | $13,266 | $3,061 | $77 |
| Average | $147,570 | $12,298 | $2,838 | $71 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,650 | $11,138 | $2,570 | $64 |
For 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 $169,000 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Network Engineer - Project Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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