As of May 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Network Administrator I in the United States is $35, which translates to an annual salary of about $73,499.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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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 | $91,566 |
| Network Administrator III | 4-7 years | $109,865 |
| Network Administrator IV | 7+ years | $125,840 |
| Network Administrator V | 7-10 years | $146,675 |
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%
|
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 May 01, 2026Salaries 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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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.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
VMware: Applying the VMware software to develop multiple virtual computer systems within a single server.
Installation: The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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