Network Engineer: career path and pay in the US
Where a Network Engineer goes next, what each step typically pays in the United States, and how exposed the path is to AI replacement. 3 steps, from Network Engineer to Senior Network Engineer / Network Architect.
Also for the United Kingdom: Network Engineer in the UK
The path
Step 1 · 0 to 3 years
Network Engineer
$95K to $140K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) - Global, CompTIA Network+ - Global, BCS Foundation Certificate (optional) - UK/EU.
Step 2 · 3 to 7 years
Network Engineer / Senior Network Engineer
$105K to $155K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) - Global, AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty - Global, Azure Network Engineer Associate - Global, BCS Practitioner Certificate - UK/EU.
Step 3 · 7 to 12 years
Senior Network Engineer / Network Architect
$125K to $185K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) - Global, AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty - Global, Azure Network Engineer Expert - Global, BCS Advanced Certificate - UK/EU.
Exposure and pay along the path
Exposure to AI, now to later
52% → 24%
Falls 28 points. Each step is harder to automate than the last. Lower is better.
Typical pay, now to later
$95K to $140K → $125K to $185K
US estimates by job title, Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale US.
What the work involves
Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Design
Education people bring
- Bachelor's Degree: 55%
- Post-Secondary Certificate: 15%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree: 15%
Job Zone 4, job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Other paths from here
- Network Architect
- Security Engineer
- Cloud Architect
- IT Manager
More Technology paths in the US
Related occupations in O*NET: Computer Network Support Specialists, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, Computer Systems Engineers/Architects, Telecommunications Engineering Specialists, Computer Systems Analysts.
Your own role
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SourcesSalary bands: Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale US, US national averages by job title, retrieved September 2026Skills, knowledge and education: O*NET 31.0 Database
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CC BY 4.0
Salary estimates by job title from Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale, retrieved September 2026. Each band runs from 20% below to 20% above the reported average, rounded to $5K. Exposure percentages and the skills listed under each step are this app's own editorial ratings, not published data.