Computer Network Engineer Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Network Engineer in the United States is $80,846 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $100,097
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $74,928 to $90,922
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $69,541

Key Factors That Influence Computer Network Engineer Salaries

A Computer Network Engineer'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 Computer Network Engineer Salaries?

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

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $80,105
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $95,569
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $115,611
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $135,872
  • Expert (over 8 years): $155,564
Levels Salary
Computer ... Level Computer Network Engineer$80,105
Network E... Level Computer Network Engineer$95,569
Network E... Level Computer Network Engineer$115,611
Network E... Level Computer Network Engineer$135,872
Network E... Level Computer Network Engineer$155,564

Top Paying Cities for Computer Network Engineers

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: $101,971
  • San Francisco: $100,854
  • Oakland: $98,729

What Skills Can Increase a Computer Network Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Networking (Mentioned in 8.24% Job Postings): Ability to maintain, build and expand a personal and business contact list to grow one's career and business opportunities.
  • Network Infrastructure (Mentioned in 2.66% Job Postings): Refers to all of the resources of a network that make network or internet connectivity, management, business operations and communication possible.
  • Telecommunications (Mentioned in 1.87% Job Postings): Telecommunication is the transmission of information by various types of technologies over wire, radio or optical. It has its origin in the desire of humans for communication over a distance greater than that feasible with the human voice.
Skills Demand Percentage
Networking 8.24%
Network Infrastructure 2.66%
Telecommunications 1.87%

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 Computer Network Engineer's salary.

  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Linux: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Consulting $88,122
9%
Linux $84,888
5%
Project Management $84,079
4%

Computer Network Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computer Network Engineer 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, Computer Network Engineer positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Network Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Computer Network Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$105,099$51.030%
Internet$97,015$47.020%
Aerospace & Defense$92,972$45.015%
Biotechnology$92,972$45.015%
Energy & Utilities$88,930$43.010%

How Education impacts a Computer Network Engineer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Computer Network Engineers 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 Computer Network Engineer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $71,757 and $75,788).

Computer Network Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Computer Network Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 18.6%
Associates 21.1%
Bachelors 46.2%
Masters 13.2%
Doctorate 0.3%

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

Understanding how a Computer Network Engineer'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 September 01, 2026
$74,928
Average $80,846/year
$90,922
$6,244
Average $6,737/month
$7,577
$1,441
Average $1,555/week
$1,749
$36
Average $39/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $90,922 $7,577 $1,749 $44
Average $80,846 $6,737 $1,555 $39
25th Percentile $74,928 $6,244 $1,441 $36

Most common benefits for Computer Network Engineer

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

Common company salaries for Computer Network Engineer

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

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FAQ about Computer Network Engineer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Computer Network Engineer?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Network Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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