Ask three salary sites what a CCIE Security engineer earns and you’ll get three different answers. ZipRecruiter says $67,675 as of June 2026. PayScale says about $163K, from five self-reported profiles last updated December 2024. Neither is a number you’d plan a career on. What’s observable is narrower and more useful: security-focused CCIEs clear 15% to 20% above their enterprise counterparts.
But not all Cisco certifications deliver the same pay bump. Some move the needle by $20K. Others move it by $80K. And one certification, the CCNA, pays back its $300 exam cost in under two weeks of extra salary.
Here’s the full picture across the top five, with 2026 salary data, Canada figures, a city-by-city comparison, and a guide on which cert to pursue based on where you are right now.
Cisco Certification Salary Comparison: The Top 5 at a Glance
Before we get into the details, here’s the Cisco certification salary cheat sheet for 2026:
| # | Certification | Avg. Salary | Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CCIE Security | $176,000+ | $140K – $250K | Senior security engineers |
| 2 | CCIE Enterprise | $166,000 | $130K – $220K | Network architects |
| 3 | CCNP Security | $152,000 | $143K – $205K | Mid-career security pros |
| 4 | Cisco Automation (DevNet) | $120,000 | $100K – $140K | DevOps / NetDevOps |
| 5 | CCNA | $94,000 | $67K – $140K | Entry-level engineers |
Sources: ZipRecruiter (May 2026), PayScale (2026)
The gap between CCNA and CCIE Security is over $80K a year. That’s a completely different lifestyle.
A note on these figures. Cisco doesn’t publish per-track salary data, and the aggregators disagree widely: on CCIE Security alone, ZipRecruiter reports $67,675 and PayScale reports $163K from five profiles. Treat the ranges as reported spreads, not averages.
The Top 5 Cisco Certifications by Salary in 2026
1. CCIE Security – The Top Cisco Certification Salary Earner
CCIE Security sits at the top. It’s not just the highest-paying Cisco certification, it’s one of the highest-paying IT certifications, period.
What it pays:
- Reported range: $68K to $163K depending on which aggregator you ask, and none of them has a large sample
- Range: $140K-$250K
- Top 10%: $250K+ in senior architect or consulting roles
Why the salary is so high:
Security skills are among the hardest IT skills to hire for right now. Robert Half surveyed nearly 250 US technology leaders at director level or above in 2025, and among those with hiring plans, 87% said they struggle to find skilled candidates. Cybersecurity was one of the gaps they named most often.
That combination, a rare credential, a critical skill set, and a shortage market, drives salaries that few other IT certifications can touch.
Who earns the most:
CCIE Security holders in senior architect or consulting roles often clear $200K. San Jose and the Bay Area pay 30-40% above the national average. New York, Seattle, and Washington DC also carry significant premiums.
What it takes:
The CCIE Security path has two parts: a qualifying exam and an eight-hour lab exam. Most candidates need 12-18 months of dedicated preparation after reaching CCNP Security level. It’s genuinely difficult. That’s partly why it pays so well.
2. CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure – $166,000 Average
Average salary: $166,000. Range: $130,000 to $220,000+.
CCIE Enterprise is the most popular CCIE track, and for good reason. It covers everything from BGP and OSPF to SD-WAN and network automation. The Cisco certification salary for enterprise CCIEs is strong, even if it trails security by about 10-15%. If BGP attribute selection is the gap between you and that track, our BGP Multi-Exit Discriminator guide is a good place to start.
Why the gap? Simple supply and demand. More people hold CCIE Enterprise than CCIE Security. More supply means slightly lower premiums. But $166K is still excellent money.
Going from CCNP to CCIE Enterprise typically means a 40-60% salary bump. CCIE holders earn between $100K and $196K depending on experience and role.
3. CCNP Security – Strong Cisco Certification Salary Without the CCIE Grind
Average salary: $152,000. Range: $143,000 to $205,000.
Here’s something that surprises a lot of people. The Cisco certification salary for CCNP Security is actually higher than many other expert-level certs in different vendor ecosystems. You don’t need CCIE-level commitment to earn $150K+ in security.
CCNP Security validates your skills in firewall management, VPN implementation, ISE deployment, and threat defense. It requires two exams: the SCOR 350-701 core and one concentration exam. ZipRecruiter data shows an average of $152,773 for CCNP Security professionals.
So what makes this cert special? It’s the sweet spot: serious Cisco certification salary growth without the 8-hour lab exam pressure. Most people earn CCNP Security in 6-9 months of focused study, and it’s a natural stepping stone toward CCIE.
4. Cisco Automation (DevNet) – The Rising Star
Automation skills changed the salary equation for network engineers. The DevNet Professional certification validates Python scripting, REST APIs, Cisco ACI, SD-WAN programmability, and network automation frameworks.
What it pays:
- Average: $120,000
- Range: $100K-$140K
- Engineers combining CCNP and automation skills: $150K+
Why automation salaries are rising:
Network automation skills now show up in roughly a third of network engineer job postings, and writing Python for network tasks has gone from a differentiator to a baseline expectation at many employers. Most organisations running large-scale network infrastructure are shifting toward intent-based networking and automated configuration management, and engineers who can write the code are hard to find.
Who it’s right for:
This cert makes sense if you’re already at the CCNA or CCNP level and want to differentiate without taking the CCIE route. Automation combined with security is one of the highest-paying skill combinations in IT right now.
5. CCNA – The Foundation That Opens Every Door
CCNA is the starting point for almost every Cisco career, and it delivers immediate, measurable salary impact. If you’re deciding between it and CompTIA’s entry-level track, our CCNA vs Network+ comparison breaks down which to pursue first.
What it pays:
- Entry-level CCNA (0-2 years experience): $50K-$70K
- Mid-level with CCNA (2-5 years experience): $70K-$95K
- Senior engineer with CCNA: up to $140K
The ROI case for CCNA:
The CCNA exam costs $300 to $330. At an average salary of $94K, that exam cost pays for itself in under two weeks of additional earnings. No other certification comes close to that ratio.
In Pearson VUE’s 2025 Value of IT Certification Candidate Report, which surveyed nearly 24,000 IT professionals worldwide, 32% got a pay rise after certifying. Of that group, 56% saw it within three months. So roughly 18% of everyone certified got a raise inside a quarter. For entry-level professionals, CCNA is the trigger. Our Network+ practice test is a useful warm-up if you want to validate fundamentals before tackling the 200-301 exam.
Cisco Certification Salary by Location
Location changes the numbers significantly. Here’s what the same certifications pay across different markets.
United States – City Comparison
| City | CCNA | CCNP Security | CCIE Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $130K-$155K | $180K-$220K | $220K-$250K+ |
| New York, NY | $95K-$120K | $167K-$195K | $190K-$230K |
| Seattle, WA | $100K-$125K | $165K-$200K | $200K-$240K |
| Dallas, TX | $78K-$95K | $151K-$175K | $175K-$210K |
| National Average | $94K-$112K | $143K-$205K | $140K-$250K |
Sources: ZipRecruiter May 2026, Glassdoor 2026
Cisco Certification Salary in Canada
Canada’s IT job market has tightened sharply over the past two years. Cisco-certified professionals command clear premiums in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Calgary.
Canadian salary ranges by certification (2026 estimates):
- CCNA: $65K-$90K CAD (Toronto/Vancouver)
- CCNP Security: $100K-$140K CAD
- CCIE Security: $140K-$200K CAD (Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver)
Strong hiring sectors in Canada:
- Federal government IT contractors in Ottawa
- Telecom carriers (Rogers, Bell, Telus)
- Financial institutions concentrated in Toronto
- Energy and oil and gas infrastructure in Calgary
Both CCNP and CCIE holders with Canadian work authorisation face less competition than in US markets. The credential-to-job-offer pipeline is often faster, and total compensation packages at the federal level include pensions and benefits that offset slightly lower base salaries.
Cisco Certification Salary by Experience Level
Your certification matters. Your experience level matters more.
The same CCNP Security cert can mean $110K or $170K depending on how long you’ve worked in the field.
| Experience | CCNA | CCNP Security | CCIE Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | $50K-$70K | Rare at this stage | Not typical |
| 2-5 years | $70K-$95K | $110K-$135K | Not typical |
| 5-10 years | $85K-$115K | $140K-$165K | $155K-$185K |
| 10+ years | $100K-$140K | $155K-$205K | $175K-$250K |
US market data from ZipRecruiter, PayScale, and Glassdoor (2026)
The experience curve matters most at the CCIE level. A newly certified CCIE Security holder with five years of experience might earn $155K-$165K. The same cert holder with 12 years of experience and an architect title? $200K+ is common.
Which Cisco Certification Salary Offers the Best ROI?
The answer depends on where you are right now.
If you’re starting from zero, CCNA gives you the best bang for your buck. The exam costs around $300 to $330, and even a modest $10K salary bump pays for itself in the first month. That’s a no-brainer.
For mid-career professionals, CCNP Security is the sweet spot. You get Cisco certification salary gains of $40K-$50K over CCNA-level earnings without the extreme time investment of CCIE.
And if you’re playing the long game? CCIE Security. Yes, it takes 12-18 months of serious prep. But that $176K+ average Cisco certification salary represents a lifetime earnings difference measured in millions. A network engineer salary without any Cisco cert averages around $85K. With CCIE, nearly double that.
Think of it this way: going from CCNA to CCIE is like going from EMT to surgeon, a different league entirely. But the path through CCNP is your residency. Skip it at your own risk.
Which Cert Should You Pursue First?
If you’re earning under $60K (entry-level, non-certified):
Start with CCNA. It’s the only step that makes sense right now. Every other Cisco certification builds on it, and the salary jump from non-certified to CCNA-certified is the biggest percentage gain you’ll see in your entire IT career.
If you’re earning $65K-$90K (CCNA-level, 1-3 years experience):
CCNP Security or CCNP Enterprise is the next logical step. Security demand is strong enough that CCNP Security often leads to faster placement and higher starting offers than CCNP Enterprise.
If you’re earning $90K-$120K (CCNP-level, 5+ years):
You’re at the fork. If you’re willing to commit 2-3 years of study, CCIE unlocks architect-level compensation. If you want a faster bump and you’re interested in automation, DevNet Professional can add $25K-$40K without the CCIE timeline.
If you’re earning $120K+ (senior engineer, targeting $150K+):
CCIE Security or CCIE Enterprise are the logical next certifications. At this level, the credential is often the final piece needed to negotiate an architect or consulting engineer title.
What Affects Your Cisco Certification Salary the Most?
The cert itself is only one piece. Here are the factors that actually move the needle:
Location matters. A lot. CCIE holders in San Jose average 30-40% more than the national numbers. New York, DC, and Seattle also pay premiums. Remote work has narrowed this gap somewhat, but location still makes a difference.
Experience stacks. A CCIE with 3 years of experience earns around $150K. The same cert with 10+ years? That’s $200K-$220K territory. Certification plus experience is the real combination. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% employment growth for computer network architects from 2025 to 2035, well above the average for all occupations, so demand for Cisco-certified professionals isn’t slowing down.
Specialisation pays. Security-focused professionals consistently earn 15-20% more than generalists. In Robert Half’s 2025 survey of nearly 250 US technology leaders, 87% of those with hiring plans said they can’t find skilled candidates, and cybersecurity was one of the gaps named most often.
The training method counts too. Engineers who learn through structured, hands-on lab practice tend to perform better in interviews and negotiate higher starting salaries. Learning from videos alone only gets you so far. Our home lab setup guide for network engineers covers how to build a practice environment on hardware you already own.
How to Maximize Your Cisco Certification Salary in 2026
Want the highest possible Cisco certification salary? Stack your certs strategically.
Start with CCNA to build fundamentals. Add automation skills early, even if your main focus is security or enterprise. Then move to CCNP in your chosen track. Finally, target CCIE if you’re serious about hitting $170K+.
But don’t just collect certs. Build real skills alongside them. Lab practice matters more than most people realize. The CCIE lab exam is 8 hours of hands-on configuration, and most candidates need several hundred hours of practice to feel comfortable.
Combine Cisco certs with complementary skills too. A CCNP Security holder who also knows Python automation gets multiple job offers.
What is the highest Cisco certification salary in 2026?
CCIE Security is the highest-paying Cisco track, but be careful with any single average you see quoted for it. ZipRecruiter reports $67,675 and PayScale reports about $163K from just five profiles, so the aggregators don’t agree and none has a usable sample. What holds up is the relative picture: security-focused CCIEs clear 15% to 20% above their enterprise counterparts.
Is a Cisco certification worth the investment?
Usually, yes, though the pay-rise odds are lower than most sites claim. Pearson VUE’s 2025 Value of IT Certification Candidate Report found 32% of certified professionals got a pay rise, and 56% of that group saw it within three months. That’s roughly 18% of everyone certified getting a raise inside a quarter, not 56%. The stronger argument is cost: the CCNA exam is $300, which is recovered quickly by even a small salary move. Higher-level certs like CCNP and CCIE take longer but open senior roles.
How long does it take to earn enough for a Cisco certification salary boost?
CCNA takes 3-6 months of study. CCNP typically requires 6-9 months. CCIE needs 12-24 months depending on your experience and training approach. Structured, hands-on practice can cut these timelines significantly compared to unguided self-study.
Which Cisco certification should I get first?
Start with CCNA. It’s the foundation for every other Cisco certification path. From there, choose your specialization: security for the highest salaries, enterprise for the broadest opportunities, or automation for the fastest-growing demand.
Do Cisco certifications expire?
Yes. All Cisco certifications, including CCIE, are valid for three years. You recertify by passing exams, earning continuing education credits, or a combination of both. Keeping your certification current matters for maintaining your salary premium.
Bottom Line: Your Cisco Certification Salary in 2026
Five certifications define the Cisco salary ladder in 2026:
- CCIE Security – $176K+ average, top earners at $250K
- CCIE Enterprise – $166K average, best path for enterprise architects
- CCNP Security – $152K average, strongest ROI for professionals not yet at CCIE level
- Cisco DevNet/Automation – $120K average, fastest-growing demand
- CCNA – $94K-$112K average, best entry-level ROI by a wide margin
The $80K gap between CCNA and CCIE Security is real. Over a 20-year career, the difference in cumulative earnings exceeds $1.6 million.
The right question isn’t which certification pays the most. It’s which certification, at your current career stage, pays back the fastest, and puts you on track for the next level.
