CCNA Salary 2026: Entry-Level to Senior Pay Breakdown
$112,333. That’s the average CCNA salary in 2026, according to PayScale. But the range underneath that average is wide: entry-level roles start around $50K, while senior network engineers with CCNA credentials clear $140K or more.
So what decides where you land on that spectrum?
Experience. Location. Specialization. And whether you treat CCNA as a checkbox or a foundation for real skills. This guide breaks down CCNA salary by experience level, geography, and job role, with live 2026 numbers from PayScale, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
CCNA Salary Overview: The Numbers You Need
CCNA salary in 2026 averages $112,333 according to PayScale, putting it solidly in six-figure territory for what’s considered an entry-level Cisco certification.
But averages hide a lot. The CCNA salary range spans from roughly $50K at the bottom to $140K+ at the top, almost a 3x difference. Understanding what drives that gap matters more than memorizing the average. Stacking the right certs is one of the biggest levers, and we rank the Cisco certifications that boost pay the most separately.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average CCNA Salary | $112,333 |
| Entry-Level Range | $50K-$70K |
| Mid-Level Range | $75K-$100K |
| Senior-Level Range | $100K-$140K+ |
CCNA Salary by Experience Level
Experience is the biggest factor in CCNA salary. No surprise there. But the growth trajectory is steeper than most people expect.
Entry-Level CCNA Salary (0-2 Years)
Fresh CCNA holders typically start between $50K and $70K, in roles like junior network administrator, help desk tier 2, or entry-level network technician.
Worth it? The median pay for a non-certified IT support role sits around $61,860 (BLS, May 2025). CCNA adds real money right out of the gate, before you’ve put in a single year of experience in the field.
Mid-Level CCNA Salary (3-5 Years)
Network engineers with 3-5 years of experience and CCNA credentials typically earn $75K to $100K. The jump from entry-level is significant, often 30-40% higher.
At this stage, most professionals pursue CCNP or add specializations. Those who add automation skills see the biggest bumps, covered below.
Senior-Level CCNA Salary (6+ Years)
Senior network engineers with CCNA typically earn $100K to $140K+. At this level, CCNA is usually paired with CCNP or a specialized certification.
Senior roles often require CCNA as a baseline, not the ceiling. It proves foundational knowledge, but the higher salary comes from demonstrated expertise in a specific area: security, data center, or automation.
| Experience | Salary Range | Typical Roles | Growth Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 Years | $50K-$70K | Jr. Network Admin, Help Desk | CCNA Specialty |
| 3-5 Years | $75K-$100K | Network Engineer, Systems Admin | CCNP, Automation |
| 6+ Years | $100K-$140K+ | Sr. Network Engineer, Architect | CCIE, Management |
What CCNA Certified Professionals Earn by Region
Location matters. A lot. The same CCNA holder earns differently depending on geography, both across countries and within the US itself.
By Country
| Region | Average CCNA Salary | Top Markets |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $112,333 | SF, NYC, Seattle |
| Australia | $85K-$95K AUD | Sydney, Melbourne |
| United Kingdom | £45,000-£60,000 | London, Manchester |
| Germany | €50,000-€65,000 | Munich, Frankfurt |
| Canada | $70K-$90K CAD | Toronto, Vancouver |
Remote work has changed the equation somewhat. Many US companies now hire globally but peg salaries to local markets, which is worth factoring in if you’re job-hunting remotely.
By US State
Within the US, networking pay can swing 10-15% between markets even after accounting for role seniority. Live 2026 data from ZipRecruiter:
| Location | Average Salary (2026) |
|---|---|
| National average | $109,040 |
| New York | $119,293 |
| California | $107,612 |
| Texas | $101,587 |
High-cost coastal markets pay more in raw dollars, but that gap narrows once cost of living is factored in. A $101,587 Texas salary often stretches further than a $119,293 New York one.
Network Engineer Salary with CCNA
CCNA opens doors to several IT roles beyond “network engineer.” Here’s how CCNA salary breaks down by job title:
| Job Role | Average Salary (US) |
|---|---|
| Network Administrator | $65K-$85K |
| Network Engineer | $80K-$110K |
| Systems Administrator | $70K-$95K |
| Security Analyst (with CCNA) | $85K-$115K |
| Network Automation Engineer | $100K-$140K |
Notice something? Network automation engineer tops the list. That’s not a coincidence.
How Automation Skills Impact CCNA Salary
The highest CCNA salaries go to professionals who combine networking fundamentals with automation skills. Python, Ansible, and API integration are the key differentiators.
Network automation engineers with Python and Ansible expertise average $139,971 in 2026, with most earning $110,500-$164,500 (ZipRecruiter). Scripting and automation skills are adding $15K-$30K to offers compared to traditional, manual-configuration network roles.
The market is shifting. Manual network configuration is becoming automated. Engineers who can script and automate are in demand; those who can’t are competing for a shrinking pool of purely manual roles. Our CCNA 200-901 DevNet guide breaks down exactly which Python and automation skills employers are actually testing for.
How to Increase Your CCNA Salary
So you’ve got your CCNA. Now what? Here’s the career path that leads to higher earnings:
- Build real experience. The first two years after CCNA certification matter most. Get hands-on with production networks. Break things. Fix them. Document everything.
- Add automation skills. Python and Ansible add real money to your salary potential. It’s the highest-ROI skill investment for network engineers right now.
- Specialize strategically. Security specialists tend to earn more than generalists. Cloud networking is growing fast. Pick a direction that matches market demand.
- Progress to CCNP. The average CCNP Enterprise holder earns around $144,912, roughly $30K-$40K above CCNA. It’s the natural next step once you have a couple of years behind you. See our CCNA vs Network+ comparison if you’re still deciding where to start.
- Consider location. Remote work is increasingly common. If you can land a US-based remote role while living in a lower cost-of-living area, you maximize earnings.
Is CCNA salary worth the certification cost?
Yes. The jump from a non-certified IT support median ($61,860, BLS) to an entry-level CCNA salary ($50K-$70K, often paired with a better job title and faster growth track) typically covers the exam fee many times over within the first year. Pearson VUE’s 2025 Value of IT Certification report found 32% of certified professionals received a pay increase after certifying, and of that group, 56% saw it within three months.
How much does CCNA pay for entry-level positions?
Entry-level CCNA salary ranges from $50K to $70K depending on location and role. Major tech hubs pay at the higher end. Smaller markets and help desk positions typically start lower but still offer a real premium over non-certified IT roles.
What’s the difference between CCNA and CCNP salary?
CCNP typically adds $30K-$40K over CCNA salary. The average CCNP Enterprise holder earns around $144,912 compared to CCNA’s $112,333. CCNP does require more experience and a longer certification path, so it’s rarely the first move.
Do CCNA jobs require additional certifications?
Many CCNA jobs list CCNA as the primary requirement with no additional certification needed. That said, adding complementary skills like CompTIA Security+ or a cloud certification (AWS, Azure) can increase both job opportunities and salary potential.
Bottom Line on CCNA Salary
CCNA salary in 2026 ranges from $50K at entry level to $140K+ for senior professionals with automation skills. The certification remains one of the most reliable entry points into IT networking careers. For exam details, study timelines, and the jobs it qualifies you for, see our complete CCNA certification guide.
Your actual CCNA salary depends on experience, location, and specialization. But the data is clear: CCNA certified professionals consistently out-earn their non-certified peers, and automation skills push those numbers higher still. If you’re weighing the investment, here’s how much the CCNA exam actually costs.
If you want structured, hands-on practice material to go with your study plan, our CCNA workbook walks through exam-style scenarios built around the current 200-301 blueprint.
