As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Network Engineer in the United States is $80,827 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:
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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.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Computer Network Engineer | $79,668 |
| Intermediate Level Computer Network Engineer | $80,386 |
| Senior Level Computer Network Engineer | $82,588 |
| Specialist Level Computer Network Engineer | $83,029 |
| Expert Level Computer Network Engineer | $83,322 |
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 Computer Network Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Networking | 8.24% |
| Network Infrastructure | 2.66% |
| Telecommunications | 1.87% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Consulting
|
$88,101 |
9%
|
|
Linux
|
$84,868 |
5%
|
|
Project Management
|
$84,060 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$84,060 |
4%
|
|
AWS
|
$84,060 |
4%
|
|
Network Management
|
$84,060 |
4%
|
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
| 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% |
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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Computer Network Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,384 in 2023 to around $70,014 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Computer Network Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $70,384 |
| 2024 | $70,474 |
| 2025 | $70,014 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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