💻 Technology ↑ 3% growth · Average

Network Administrator / Network Engineer

Network admins design, install, and manage the switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless systems that connect organizations. Cisco CCNA is the entry credential — CCNP and CCIE engineers are among the highest-paid IT professionals in the world.

$95,360 Median Salary
323K US Jobs
2–4 years (degree) or 6–18 months (cert path) Training
$3,000–$30,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$60,000
Median
$95,360
Experienced
$138,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

3%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
323K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
CompTIA Network+ → Cisco CCNA → CCNP
Required Credential
CompTIA Network+ → Cisco CCNA → CCNP

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Network Administration AAS or self-study certs
Program Length
2–4 years (degree) or 6–18 months (cert path)
Typical Tuition
$3,000–$30,000
Work Setting
Enterprises, ISPs, hospitals, government, data centers
🏆 Credential Required: CompTIA Network+ → Cisco CCNA → CCNP

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Network Administrator / Network Engineer involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Enterprises environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Network Administrator / Network Engineer by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC