As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Network Engineer III in the United States is $113,834 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
However, a Network Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Network Engineer III'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 III'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 Engineer I | 0-2 years | $78,876 |
| Network Engineer II | 2-4 years | $94,102 |
| Network Engineer III | 4-7 years | $113,834 |
| Network Engineer IV | 7+ years | $133,773 |
| Network Engineer V | 7-10 years | $153,167 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Networking | 8.34% |
| Computer Science | 2.67% |
| Telecommunications | 1.77% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$118,387 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$117,249 |
3%
|
|
OSPF
|
$117,249 |
3%
|
|
AWS
|
$117,249 |
3%
|
|
Presentation
|
$117,249 |
3%
|
|
Network Design
|
$116,111 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Network Engineer IIIs 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $108,674 and $114,176).
Network Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.5% |
| High School | 22.5% |
| Associates | 13.8% |
| Bachelors | 45.3% |
| Masters | 15.7% |
| Doctorate | 1.0% |
Understanding how a Network Engineer III'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, 2026For a Network Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Network Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $133,773 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for a Network Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $106,327 in 2023 to around $104,352 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Network Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $106,327 |
| 2024 | $106,029 |
| 2025 | $104,352 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Network Engineer III'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 Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Network Engineer III is $143,579.
The highest pay for Network Engineer III is $130,212.
The lowest pay for Network Engineer III is $98,147.
Develops and deploys plans and designs of network systems that will meet an organization's requirements for performance, security, and compliance with relevant standards and regulations. Conducts network architecture design, feasibility, and cost studies. Defines monitoring, maintenance, expansion, contingency, and recovery plans and strategies to ensure the network is responsive to changes in demand. Troubleshoots network issues and develops appropriate solutions, resources, and deployment processes. Keeps informed of the latest technologies to enhance knowledge of networking hardware, software, and best practices. May be certified in vendor-specific products. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
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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