How Much Does a Senior Network Engineer Make? (2025)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), senior network engineer or network and computer system administrator jobs in the US are expected to decline by 3% from 2023 to 2033. Despite having a declining employment curve, this still corresponds to an estimated 16,400 job openings every year for senior network engineers.
Salary.com reports that the average annual salary for senior network engineers in the United States in 2025 is $113,890. This salary guide provides a comprehensive overview of salaries, job descriptions, FAQs, and job expectations for senior network engineers.
What Does a Senior Network Engineer Do?
Senior Network Engineers typically design, implement, and maintain an organization’s computer networks. They configure and manage network hardware such as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points. Additionally, they monitor network performance, troubleshoot and respond to connectivity issues, and ensure network security and reliability.
Senior Network Engineers often lead network projects, supervise junior staff, and provide technical support and training. They also develop and optimize complex network infrastructures that support data communication within and between organizations. They are instrumental in enabling cloud connectivity, remote access, and secure data transmission.
Examples of the systems they work on include enterprise LANs, WANs, data centers, and virtual private networks (VPNs). Below are the top industries they work for:
- Management of Companies and Enterprises
- Information
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services
- Finance and Insurance
- Educational Services: State, Local, and Private
A bachelor’s degree is typically required to qualify for a Senior Network Engineer role, often in computer science, information technology, or related fields. Professional certifications such as Cisco’s CCNP or CCIE, CompTIA Network+, or Juniper Networks certifications are highly valued and can significantly enhance job prospects.
What is the Senior Network Engineer Salary Overview?
The average salary for senior network engineers in the United States in 2025 is $113,890 per year, according to Salary.com. A senior network engineer’s salary ranges from $97,269 to $129,938 per year. The average salary per month is $9,491.
Senior network engineers earn an average of $55 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $47 to $62. Moreover, the average salary for senior network engineers per week is $2,190, with weekly pay ranging from $1,871 to $2,499.
2025 Senior Network Engineer Salary: $113,890 ($55 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median core compensation for a senior network engineer is $120,390 per year, including salary and bonuses, and varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $99,757 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,590 |
| 50th Percentile | $120,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,190 |
| 90th Percentile | $142,933 |
On the other hand, the average total compensation for senior network engineers in the US is $166,734 according to the Salary.com report. The total compensation package includes benefits like healthcare ($8,352), time off ($14,817), and Social Security ($9,210), which makes up 19.4% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $113,890 | 68.3% |
| Bonus | $6,500 | 3.9% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $9,210 | 5.5% |
| 401K/403B | $5,056 | 3.0% |
| Disability | $2,408 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 5.0% |
| Pension | $6,501 | 3.9% |
| Time Off | $14,817 | 8.9% |
| Total Compensation | $166,734 | 100% |
What Can Affect Senior Network Engineer Salaries?
Various factors such as experience level, geographic location, education, and skills can significantly influence senior network engineer salaries. Below is a breakdown of key salary components:
By Experience Level
Over time, senior network engineer salaries are expected to grow in line with work experience. Salary.com data shows that entry-level senior network engineers with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $110,039.
In contrast, experienced senior network engineers working for eight or more years, considered expert-level professionals, can expect to earn an average salary of $117,024.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Senior Network Engineer | $110,039 |
| Intermediate Level Senior Network Engineer | $110,681 |
| Senior Level Senior Network Engineer | $111,965 |
| Specialist Level Senior Network Engineer | $113,890 |
| Expert Level Senior Network Engineer | $117,024 |
By Geographic Location
A senior network engineer’s average salary in the United States may vary by geographic location due to key factors like cost of living, the local economy, and industry presence.
Among the hot cities in the United States, San Francisco reports the highest senior network engineer salary at $142,190, while Miami and Dallas reflect lower median salaries at $109,390 and $112,390, respectively.
| Cities | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $131,290 | $142,190 | $152,790 |
| Washington, District of Columbia | $116,390 | $126,090 | $135,390 |
| Miami, Florida | $100,990 | $109,390 | $117,490 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $108,690 | $117,690 | $126,390 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $117,290 | $126,990 | $136,390 |
| New York, New York | $121,890 | $131,890 | $141,790 |
| Dallas, Texas | $103,890 | $112,390 | $120,790 |
By Skills
Gaining sought-after skills is also an effective way to increase senior network engineer salaries and unlock more career opportunities. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that the most in-demand senior network engineer skills are network protocols and network infrastructure with 33.66% and 33.45%, respectively.
Meanwhile, essential skills such as network infrastructure and network management can increase senior network engineer salaries by 5.35% and 5.34%, respectively. The table below includes more in-demand skills for senior network engineers and their respective influence on salary:
| Skills | Demand (%) | Salary (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Network Infrastructure | 33.45% | +5.35% |
| Network Management | 18.11% | +5.34% |
| Network Protocols | 34.66% | +5.32% |
| Cloud Platform | 20.56% | +4.99% |
| Network Security | 25.94% | +3.62% |
| Network Design | 19.27% | +3.08% |
How to Become a Senior Network Engineer?
Senior Network Engineers are generally required to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or related fields. Gaining relevant certifications and hands-on experience is also highly beneficial. To advance in this career and increase earning potential, focus on developing the following key areas:
- Acquire essential skills: Senior Network Engineers should develop strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills. Technical proficiency in network protocols, security, and troubleshooting is critical.
- Earn relevant certifications: Industry-recognized certifications such as Cisco CCNA, CCNP, or CompTIA Network+ are highly valued and often necessary to demonstrate expertise and advance to senior roles.
- Gain practical experience: Building experience through roles such as network administrator or junior network engineer is important. Typically, it takes 5 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience to qualify for senior positions.
- Pursue continuous learning: Staying current with evolving technologies like cloud networking, software-defined networking, and cybersecurity is essential for career growth and maintaining competitiveness.
- Explore diverse work environments: Senior Network Engineers work in various industries including IT services, telecommunications, finance, healthcare, government, and education. Immersing yourself in these environments can broaden your skills and opportunities.
With a combination of education, certifications, experience, and ongoing professional development, network engineers can progress to senior roles where they lead network design, implementation, and management projects, and contribute to organizational IT strategy.
What are the FAQs about Senior Network Engineer?
Here are some common questions about the senior network engineer pay:
What does a senior network engineer do?
Senior Network Engineers are primarily responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex network systems that support organizational operations. They collaborate with IT teams and other stakeholders to ensure network infrastructure is secure, efficient, and scalable. Senior Network Engineers typically perform the following tasks:
- Design and configure network architecture, including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless systems.
- Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues to maintain optimal connectivity.
- Analyze network traffic and security vulnerabilities, implementing necessary safeguards.
- Upgrade and optimize existing network infrastructure to support new technologies and business needs.
- Lead network projects and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful deployment.
- Mentor junior network staff and provide technical guidance.
These responsibilities ensure that the organization’s data communication is reliable, secure, and aligned with strategic objectives.
What is the highest salary for a senior network engineer?
A senior network engineer’s salary may vary depending on his education, skills, experience, and geographic location. For instance, a senior network engineer based in San Francisco, California, earns an average salary of $142,190. On the other hand, a senior network engineer based in Miami, Florida only earns an average of $109,390.
Are senior network engineers in demand?
No. BLS reported that senior network engineer jobs are forecasted to decline by 3% from 2023 to 2033. However, despite that, 16,400 job openings are still expected to be produced in the US.
How much does a senior network engineer make in the US?
Salary.com reports that the average annual salary for senior network engineers in the US is $113,890 or $55 per hour.
