Network Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Network Engineer salary lies between USD 95,000 and USD 165,300 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Jan. 19, 2025

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Network Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Network Engineer job listings are Firewalls, Clearance and Cloud. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Firewalls | 267 jobs Clearance | 225 jobs Cloud | 188 jobs CISSP | 179 jobs CCNP | 179 jobs DoD | 166 jobs Network security | 161 jobs Monitoring | 159 jobs VPN | 144 jobs Compliance | 136 jobs Computer Science | 134 jobs Security Clearance | 122 jobs TS/SCI | 120 jobs DoDD 8570 | 88 jobs Automation | 87 jobs AWS | 82 jobs DNS | 80 jobs Scripting | 80 jobs Azure | 78 jobs TCP/IP | 78 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Network Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Network Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 214 jobs Health care | 152 jobs Flex hours | 111 jobs Competitive pay | 109 jobs Insurance | 101 jobs Startup environment | 100 jobs Medical leave | 79 jobs 401(k) matching | 76 jobs Flex vacation | 71 jobs Equity / stock options | 67 jobs Team events | 66 jobs Parental leave | 61 jobs Wellness | 57 jobs Salary bonus | 37 jobs Relocation support | 16 jobs Conferences | 11 jobs Fertility benefits | 10 jobs Gear | 8 jobs Flexible spending account | 8 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs

Salary Composition

In the field of InfoSec/Cyber Security as a Network Engineer, the salary composition can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can be supplemented by performance-based bonuses, which are often tied to individual or company performance metrics. Additionally, some companies offer stock options or equity, especially in tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley. In larger companies or those in high-demand industries such as finance or technology, bonuses and additional remuneration can be more substantial. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development allowances also contribute to the overall compensation package.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training that can set you apart from your peers. Gaining expertise in emerging areas such as cloud security, AI-driven security solutions, or blockchain technology can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or transitioning into a managerial position can lead to higher compensation. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Finally, considering a move to a region or industry with higher demand for cybersecurity professionals can result in a significant salary increase.

Educational Requirements

Most positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security as a Network Engineer require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. A strong foundation in networking principles, computer systems, and cybersecurity fundamentals is essential. Additionally, coursework or experience in areas such as cryptography, ethical hacking, and risk management can be beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some common and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

The usual experience required for a Network Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically includes several years of experience in network engineering or a related IT field. Employers often look for candidates with hands-on experience in network design, implementation, and troubleshooting. Experience with security protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessments is also crucial. For more advanced positions, experience in leading security projects or teams can be a significant advantage.

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