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Network Engineer VI Salary in the United States

How much does a Network Engineer VI make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Network Engineer VI in the United States is $191,660 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $92.

However, a Network Engineer VI's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $212,455
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $175,147 to $202,545
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $160,113
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Network Engineer VI Salaries

A Network Engineer VI'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.

How Experience Level Affects Network Engineer VI Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Network Engineer VI'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:

  • Network Engineer IV (7+ years): $133,792
  • Network Engineer V (7-10 years): $153,184
  • Network Engineer VI (10-12 years): $191,660
  • Network Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $120,728
  • Network Engineering Manager (12+ years): $140,437
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Network Engineer IV7+ years$133,792
Network Engineer V7-10 years$153,184
Network Engineer VI10-12 years$191,660
Network Engineering Supervisor12+ years$120,728
Network Engineering Manager12+ years$140,437
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How Do Network Engineer VIs Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $212,206.
  • California: $211,401.
  • Massachusetts: $208,584.

Top Paying Cities for Network Engineer VI

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:

  • San Jose: $241,741
  • San Francisco: $239,094
  • Oakland: $234,055

Network Engineer VI Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Network Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $214,552. While startup companies pay approximate $181,506.

Network Engineer VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $181,506
Growth Stage 51~500 $191,964
Established 501~5000 $207,188
Enterprise 5000+ $214,552

Network Engineer VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Network Engineer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 5% above the average. In contrast, Network Engineer positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Network Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Network Engineer VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$201,243$97.05%
Business Services$201,243$97.05%
Construction$201,243$97.05%
Energy & Utilities$201,243$97.05%
Healthcare$201,243$97.05%

Network Engineer VI Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Network Engineer VI'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 August 01, 2026
$175,147
Average $191,660/year
$202,545
$14,596
Average $15,972/month
$16,879
$3,368
Average $3,686/week
$3,895
$84
Average $92/hour
$97
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $202,545 $16,879 $3,895 $97
Average $191,660 $15,972 $3,686 $92
25th Percentile $175,147 $14,596 $3,368 $84

Network Engineer VI Salary Growth & Career Path

Network Engineer VI

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Advancement

For a Network Engineer VI, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Network Engineering Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $120,728 - a projected growth of -37% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Network Engineer VI

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Network Engineer VI

Here are companies hiring for Network Engineer VI and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Network Engineer VI

1. Where can a Network Engineer VI earn the most?

A Network Engineer VI'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 VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Network Engineer VI is $241,741.

2. What is the highest pay for Network Engineer VI?

The highest pay for Network Engineer VI is $212,455.

3. What is the lowest pay for Network Engineer VI?

The lowest pay for Network Engineer VI is $160,113.

4. What are the responsibilities of Network Engineer VI?

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. Usually is certified in vendor-specific products. Typically requires a master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Network Engineer VI?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Network Engineer VI roles, with salaries approximately 5% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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