As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Network Engineer in the United States is $80,947 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Data Network Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Data 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 Data 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 |
|---|---|
| Data Netw... Level Data Network Engineer | $80,205 |
| Network E... Level Data Network Engineer | $95,689 |
| Network E... Level Data Network Engineer | $115,756 |
| Network E... Level Data Network Engineer | $136,040 |
| Network E... Level Data Network Engineer | $155,757 |
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 Data 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
|
$88,232 |
9%
|
|
Linux
|
$84,994 |
5%
|
|
Project Management
|
$84,185 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$84,185 |
4%
|
|
AWS
|
$84,185 |
4%
|
|
Network Management
|
$84,185 |
4%
|
For Data 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, Data Network Engineer positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Network Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $105,231 | $51.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $97,137 | $47.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $93,089 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $93,089 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $89,042 | $43.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Data 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 Data Network Engineer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $71,757 and $75,788).
Data 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 Data 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Data Network Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,475 in 2023 to around $70,104 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Data Network Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $70,475 |
| 2024 | $70,564 |
| 2025 | $70,104 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Data Network Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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