Network Technician Salary Guide

Network technicians assist organizations in installing and maintaining their computer network systems, working with hardware and software. These IT professionals focus on ensuring the proper functionality of an organization’s network systems. Depending on the organization, the day-to-day tasks of a network technician range from configuring software systems to troubleshooting reported issues and figuring out solutions. 

The role of the IT network technician is collaborative, with many working in teams under a network administrator. You can find network technicians in many industries since organizations require some form of computer network support. 

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. 

Read more: What Is a Network Technician, and How Do I Become One?

How much does a network technician make?

According to Glassdoor, network technicians in the US earn an annual base salary of $63,422 [1]. Network technicians may earn more or less than these projected averages based on criteria such as employer, industry, credentials, and more. For example, some employers may offer employees stock options and profit sharing, which impacts projected earnings. 

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Read more: What Is a Good Salary?

What is the average network technician salary? 

Various job listing sites, including the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), report the average pay range for network technicians from roughly $44,000 to $78,000. The salary ranges given by four different organizations are as follows [2,3,4,5]: 

As reported by Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for network technicians in the US is $72,517 per year. This figure includes the base salary plus an average of $9,096 in additional income, which could come from commissions, profit sharing, or bonuses [2].

Network technician salary by location: Top 5 highest-paying cities 

According to data gathered by Zippia, the best-paying cities in the US for network technicians include the following locations [3]:

• 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. 

Factors that affect salary

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 [7]: 

• 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)

• Network 5 Certification

• Network Technology Associate

Read more: 6 Network Certifications for Your IT Career

Experience

As you gain professional experience as a network technician, expect to earn more. The following data from Glassdoor shows how earning potential can grow with experience [2]:

• 0–1 years of experience: $54,130 per year

• 1–3 years of experience: $59,120 per year

• 4–6 years of experience: $63,702 per year

• 7–9 years of experience: $65,434 per year

• 10–14 years of experience: $67,515 per year

• 15 or more years of experience: $72,473 per year 

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 average total salaries, for network technicians are [2]:

1. Energy, mining, and utilities: $85,878

2. Aerospace and defense: $74,421

3. Telecommunications: $67,959

4. Government and public administration: $65,082

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 November 2024 [2]: 

1. Carrizo Oil & Gas: $95,000

2. Cisco: $87,000

3. T-Mobile: $87,000

4. AT&T: $87,000

5. Amazon Web Services: $85,000fd

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 highest-paying states for network technicians as [8]:

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. Oregon: $73,762

8. Nevada: $73,423

9. Rhode Island: $72,944

10. Washington: $72,401

Job outlook

From 2023 to 2033, the BLS expects a 3 percent decline rate for network and computer systems administrators, which often includes network technicians [9]. This is due to responsibilities shifting to other roles, like software developers, and the automation of certain tasks. However, there is good news. All computer occupations are expected to grow 12 percent between 2023 and 2033, including computer support specialists, which should grow roughly 6 percent during that time [10].  

That 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 are also contributing to the steady growth rate of this profession. 

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

Getting started with Coursera

Network technician salary depends on many factors, including education, experience, certifications, location, industry, and the company you work for. Consider sharpening your skills to succeed as a network technician with an online course. You can also further your education by earning the Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera. This program covers technical support fundamentals, computer networking, operating systems, and more. Upon completion, you will gain exclusive access to career resources like resume review, interview prep, and career support.