Network Technician Salary Guide

Key takeaways

Network technicians assist organizations in installing and maintaining their computer network systems, working with hardware and software.

• Network technicians in the US earn a median total salary of $83,000 annually [1]. 

• How much you earn can depend on your education level, experience, the industry and location you work in, and the company you’re employed by.

• You can expand your earning potential by earning a master’s degree, getting an IT certification, and accumulating experience in a networking role.

Explore how much computer network technicians earn in the US and the factors that can affect pay. If you’re ready to start building your expertise in computer networks, enroll in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. You’ll have the opportunity to learn fundamental network technician skills like wireless networking, network security, IT infrastructure, network troubleshooting, and more in as little as three months. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career certificate for your resume.

What is a network technician?

A network technician, sometimes called a “computer network tech,” installs and maintains an organization’s network infrastructure, including hardware and software systems and applications. In this role, you will typically troubleshoot any issues, update computer systems, and ensure all components of an organization’s network systems are operating smoothly and efficiently. As a network technician, you also often ensure networks are safe and secure by installing antivirus software, updating software when needed, and using monitoring tools to maintain the integrity and security of the network. 

IT network technician salary: How much can you make?

According to Glassdoor, network technicians in the US earn a median total salary of $83,000 [1]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation. Network technicians may earn more or less than the projected salaries based on criteria such as employer, industry, credentials, and more. For example, some employers may offer employees stock options and profit sharing, which impact projected earnings. 

What is the salary for a computer network technician in the US?

Glassdoor reports that the total pay range for network technicians is $66,000 to $106,000 per year [1]. The salary figures given by various job listing sites, as well as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), are as follows [2,3,4,5]: 

As reported by Glassdoor, the estimated base pay for network technicians in the US ranges from $56,000 to $88,000 per year, while the additional pay ranges from $10,000 to $18,000 per year [1]. Additional pay may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

What is the average salary of a network technician by location? Top 5 highest-paying cities 

According to data gathered by Zippia, the highest-paying cities in the US for network technicians include the following locations [2]:

• Urban Honolulu, Hawaii: $101,776

• San Francisco, California: $87,605

• Boston, Massachusetts: $76,163

• Las Vegas, Nevada: $73,072

• Bellevue, Washington: $72,687

Other criteria apart from location can impact the earning potential of a network technician. Factors may range from your level of education to your employer and beyond. 

What is the highest salary in networking?

Several IT and computer network-related positions offer high salaries, often due to requiring specialized technical skills. Explore some of the networking jobs with the highest annual salaries:

1. Principal network engineer: $218,000

2. Solutions architect: $214,000

3. Cloud infrastructure architect: $198,000

4. Network solutions architect: $179,000

5. Infrastructure manager: $176,000

6. Network architect: $169,000

7. Network security engineer: $164,000

8. Cloud network engineer: $147,000

9. Wireless network engineer: $132,000

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of January 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Factors that affect network technician salaries

The many factors that affect your annual salary as a network technician include your level of education, certifications, years of experience, industry, company, and location. 

Education

Employers typically seek network technicians with a bachelor’s degree, although it’s possible to gain employment with lesser credentials, such as an associate degree or certificate. Network technicians often pursue advanced degrees, like a master’s, to access better-paying positions and greater earnings over time. When seeking a degree, network technicians commonly major in computer science, business information technology, or electrical engineering. 

When it comes to your earning potential based on your level of education, expect to earn the highest salary with a master’s degree. The exact breakdown of earnings by degree is as follows [6]: 

• Bachelor’s degree: $74,185

• Master’s degree: $76,609

• Associate degree: $67,824

• High school diploma: $67,042

Certification

Certifications are another essential part of a network technician’s education. In addition to degrees, many network technicians hold certifications, which allow them to earn more and access higher-paying positions in the field. Common certifications for network technicians to earn include: 

• CompTIA Network+

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT)

• Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA)

• Network Technology Associate

Experience

As you gain professional experience as a network technician, you can expect to earn more. The following data from Glassdoor shows how earning potential can grow with experience [1]:

• 0–1 years of experience: $67,000 per year

• 1–3 years of experience: $71,000 per year

• 4–6 years of experience: $78,000 per year

• 7–9 years of experience: $80,000 per year

• 10–14 years of experience: $87,000 per year

• 15 or more years of experience: $95,000 per year 

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of January 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Industry

Expect industry-wide discrepancies in earnings for network technicians. As with other IT professions, some industries pay more or less than the national average. Nearly all industries and organizations typically require IT services to some degree. However, each company’s needs vary based on size and overall business objectives and goals. 

According to Glassdoor, the highest-paying industries, based on median total salaries, for network technicians are [1]:

1. Energy, mining, and utilities: $81,088

2. Aerospace and defense: $80,369

3. Insurance: $74,418

4. Human resources and staffing: $70,646

The company you work for will likely have its own pay structure, so it’s also helpful to consider variations in salary by individual employers. According to Glassdoor, these are the highest-paying companies in the US for network technicians, and their reported median salaries as of January 2026 [1]: 

1. X: $117,000–$192,000

2. Meta: $76,000$–130,000

3. EOG: $76,000–$121,000

4. Nike: $75,000–$122,000

5. Chevron: $74,000–$124,000

Location

Where you work or where your employer is based affects how much you can earn as a network technician. Since some network technicians may work remotely, it’s important to note differences in pay according to location. Looking at location-based salary averages is helpful if you want to know what you might earn as a network technician in a particular area. 

Zippia reports 10 of the best US states for network technicians as [7]:

1. Hawaii: $101,723

2. California: $81,711

3. Alaska: $81,606

4. Massachusetts: $76,050

5. New Hampshire: $74,450

6. Delaware: $74,399

7. Wyoming: $68,001

8. Nevada: $73,423

9. Rhode Island: $72,944

10. Maryland: $72,077

Job outlook

From 2024 to 2034, the BLS expects a 2 percent increase in the employment of computer network support specialists, which often includes network technicians [5]. Additionally, the BLS projects 50,000 new job openings for computer support specialists during this time [8]. The BLS also projects that all computer occupations will grow 9 percent between 2024 and 2034 [8].

This projected job growth is due to increased demand for IT professionals who can help organizations upgrade and maintain their computer systems. The expansion of cloud computing and faster mobile networks is also contributing to the steady growth rate of this profession. 

Read more: 7 IT Career Paths and How to Get Started

Actionable resources to guide your next steps

Want to keep your skills future-ready? Keep up with the latest trends and technologies shaping your industry by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat. Then, keep exploring careers and ideas in the field of IT with these free resources: 

• Take the quiz: Which IT Course Should You Take? 

• Watch on YouTube: How to Get an IT Job (No Experience Needed)

• Hear from a fellow learner: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career 

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

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