As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Network Maintenance Engineer I in South Dakota is $71,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Network Maintenance Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Network Maintenance Engineer 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Network Maintenance Engineer 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 Maintenance Engineer I | 0-2 years | $71,685 |
| Intermediate Network Engineer | 2-4 years | $85,524 |
| Network Implementation Engineer III | 4-7 years | $103,458 |
| Network Implementation Engineer IV | 7+ years | $121,585 |
| Network Implementation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $139,208 |
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 Maintenance Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Network Maintenance Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $80,185. While startup companies pay approximate $67,812.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $67,812 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $71,722 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $77,434 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $80,185 |
For Network Maintenance Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Network Maintenance Engineer positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Network Maintenance Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $93,197 | $45.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $86,028 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $82,444 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $82,444 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $78,859 | $38.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Network Maintenance Engineer 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, 2026For a Network Maintenance Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Network Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $85,600 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Network Maintenance Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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