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Network Operations Technician I Salary in the United States

How much does a Network Operations Technician I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Network Operations Technician I in the United States is $59,708 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, a Network Operations Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $71,900
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $53,746 to $66,090
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $48,318

Key Factors That Influence Network Operations Technician I Salaries

A Network Operations Technician 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.

How Experience Level Affects Network Operations Technician I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Network Operations Technician 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:

  • Network Operations Technician I (0-1 years): $59,708
  • Telecommunications Technician II (1-3 years): $74,925
  • Telecommunications Technician III (3-5 years): $88,362
  • Telecommunications Supervisor I (5+ years): $84,467
  • Telecommunications Supervisor II (5+ years): $128,683
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Network Operations Technician I0-1 years$59,708
Telecommunications Technician II1-3 years$74,925
Telecommunications Technician III3-5 years$88,362
Telecommunications Supervisor I5+ years$84,467
Telecommunications Supervisor II5+ years$128,683

Top Paying Cities for Network Operations Technician Is

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: $75,310
  • San Francisco: $74,485
  • Oakland: $72,915

What Skills Can Increase a Network Operations Technician I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 7.11% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Repairing (Mentioned in 3.78% Job Postings): To put something that is damaged, broken, or not working correctly, back into good condition or make it work again.
  • Technical Support (Mentioned in 1.06% Job Postings): Offering hands-on assistance and solutions to end-users in addressing and troubleshooting technical issues.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 7.11%
Repairing 3.78%
Technical Support 1.06%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Network Operations Technician I's salary.

  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Field Operations: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Safety Standards: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Collaboration $69,858
17%
Field Operations $69,261
16%
Safety Standards $67,470
13%

Network Operations Technician I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Network Operations Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $66,658. While startup companies pay approximate $56,442.

Network Operations Technician I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $56,442
Growth Stage 51~500 $59,680
Established 501~5000 $64,363
Enterprise 5000+ $66,658

Network Operations Technician I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Network Operations Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Network Operations Technician positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Network Operations Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Network Operations Technician I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Construction$71,650$34.020%
Software & Networking$71,650$34.020%
Energy & Utilities$68,664$33.015%
Aerospace & Defense$65,679$32.010%
Insurance$65,679$32.010%

How Education impacts a Network Operations Technician I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Network Operations Technician I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Network Operations Technician I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $56,026 and $59,869.

Network Operations Technician I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Network Operations Technician I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.3%
High School 38.2%
Associates 26.8%
Bachelors 30.6%
Masters 3.2%
Doctorate 0.0%

Network Operations Technician I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Network Operations Technician 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 October 01, 2026
$53,746
Average $59,708/year
$66,090
$4,479
Average $4,976/month
$5,508
$1,034
Average $1,148/week
$1,271
$26
Average $29/hour
$32
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $66,090 $5,508 $1,271 $32
Average $59,708 $4,976 $1,148 $29
25th Percentile $53,746 $4,479 $1,034 $26

Network Operations Technician I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Network Operations Technician I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Network Operations Technician I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Network Control Center Supervisor $118,180 98%
Network Operations Technician II $74,925 25%

Most common benefits for Network Operations Technician I

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

Common company salaries for Network Operations Technician I

Here are companies hiring for Network Operations Technician I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Network Operations Technician I

1. Where can a Network Operations Technician I earn the most?

A Network Operations Technician I'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 Operations Technician I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Network Operations Technician I is $75,310.

2. What is the highest pay for Network Operations Technician I?

The highest pay for Network Operations Technician I is $71,900.

3. What is the lowest pay for Network Operations Technician I?

The lowest pay for Network Operations Technician I is $48,318.

4. What are the responsibilities of Network Operations Technician I?

Monitors and supports network operations within a Network Operations Center (NOC) to maintain the availability and performance of network systems. Monitors network systems, alarms, and dashboards to detect and respond to service issues. Performs first-level troubleshooting and resolution of network incidents. Escalates unresolved or complex issues to specialists and engineering teams. Documents incidents, actions taken, and resolutions in ticketing systems. Executes routine maintenance tasks and configuration changes as directed. Follows established procedures to ensure timely response and service restoration. May require an associate degree. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Network Operations Technician I?

The Construction industry offers the highest average compensation for Network Operations Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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