CompTIA Network+ certification — A 2025 salary analysis

Networks run the digital world. Businesses rely on skilled professionals to keep them fast, secure, and online. That’s where Network+ makes a difference.

You configure routers, fix outages, and build secure infrastructure. Network+ shows employers you’ve got the technical know-how to do it right.

So is it still worth earning in 2025?

This analysis lays it out clearly. You’ll see what network jobs require Network+, what they pay, and how to increase your salary by stacking skills and certifications.

Several key factors shape what a CompTIA Network+ certified professional earns beyond the average salary benchmarks often reported. These include job roles, additional certifications, specialized technical skills, and employer size.

The CompTIA Network+ certification qualifies individuals for a wide range of network jobs, each with distinct salary expectations. According to data compiled by Payscale:

• Network Security Analyst: $49,000 to $114,000
• Network Engineer: $56,000 to $117,000, average $81,271
• Network Administrator: $49,000 to $92,000, average $66,703
• Cybersecurity Analyst: $36,000 to $122,000
• Systems Administrator: $50,000 to $96,000, average $69,379
• IT Manager: $61,000 to $126,000, average $89,205
• IT Director: $74,000 to $156,000, average $109,001

Roles such as Data Architect ($86,000 to $176,000) and Solutions Architect ($83,000 to $175,000) may also list Network+ as a foundational requirement, though these higher salaries are typically tied to advanced experience and broader expertise beyond the Network+ scope.

The range of salaries across titles reflects additional variables, including experience level, industry, location, and employer type. Network+ often functions as a stepping stone toward more advanced responsibilities and higher pay.

Pairing Network+ with other certifications significantly expands your eligibility for higher-paying roles and more advanced network jobs. This skill stacking strategy shows a wider range of competencies, which employers often reward.

According to research, high-value skills include:

Complementary certifications also boost salaries:

• CompTIA Security+

  Net+ certification holders alone typically earn between $45,000 and $85,000. Adding Security+ increases potential earnings to $60,000 to $100,000. Network Security Engineers with Security+ can earn between $90,000 and $120,000.

• Cisco CCNA

  Estimates place CCNA-certified professionals between $70,000 and $85,000 on average, with ranges as high as $100,000.

• AWS Certified Advanced Networking

  This specialization can increase salaries into the $90,000 to $140,000 range.

Larger organizations typically offer more competitive salary packages. According to the 2025 North America IT Salary Survey:

• Total compensation in large enterprises is 15.4% higher than in mid-sized companies
• Median total compensation for IT professionals in large companies is $107,663
• IT executives in these firms earn a median of $186,286
• Salary growth is stronger in large organizations (2.81% vs. 0.89% in mid-sized firms)

According to recent data from Zippia and Shine, salary differences based on company size are significant:

• Network Engineers: $110,000 in large corporations, $80,000 in startups, $70,000 in government roles
• Network Administrators: $95,360 in large corporations, $80,600 in startups, $104,490 in government positions

These differences stem from greater resources, more complex operations, and formalized pay structures in larger organizations. Government jobs may offer lower base salaries but provide attractive benefits and long-term stability.

It’s also important to distinguish between a “Network+ salary” and the salary tied to a specific role that requires Network+. The latter reflects job complexity and full skillset, not just the credential.

Job Title	Average Salary Range (USD)	Key Responsibilities
IT Support Specialist	$41,000 – $78,000	Technical support, hardware and software troubleshooting.
Help Desk Technician	$40,000 – $65,000	First-line user support, network issue resolution.
Network Support Technician	$45,000 – $70,000	Network maintenance, connectivity support, troubleshooting.
Junior Network Administrator	$49,000 – $75,000	Network infrastructure support, configuration, and monitoring.
Network Administrator	$49,000 – $92,000	Managing network operations, ensuring uptime and performance.
Systems Administrator	$50,000 – $96,000	Server and system management, including networking tasks.
Junior Network Engineer	$56,000 – $85,000	Assisting with network implementation and advanced support.
Network Engineer	$56,000 – $117,000	Designing and managing enterprise network systems.
Cybersecurity Analyst (Entry)	$49,000 – $90,000	Threat monitoring, incident response, vulnerability assessment.
Network Security Analyst	$49,000 – $114,000	Implementing security controls and analyzing breaches.

Note: Actual compensation will vary by role, region, and experience.

Experience has a direct impact on what CompTIA Network+ certified professionals earn. As individuals gain more hands-on exposure, apply their skills in real-world environments, and step into roles with greater responsibility, their compensation rises accordingly.

Newly certified professionals typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 per year. Some reports raise this range to $50,000–$70,000 for individuals certified with the updated N10-009 exam. Network Engineers with 0–2 years of experience average around $60,000 in the U.S.

An outlier figure from Glassdoor suggests that Junior Network Engineers with 1–3 years of experience can earn as much as $107,000. This reflects high-demand markets, company size, or roles with advanced responsibilities.

Common job titles: Help Desk Technician, IT Support Specialist, Network Support Technician, Junior Network Administrator.

Professionals in this range generally earn between $60,000 and $85,000. Most sources place salaries between $65,000 and $95,000, with some experienced Network+ holders reaching $100,000. Network Engineers with 3–5 years of experience in the U.S. average about $90,000.

A separate estimate places Network Engineers with 4–7 years of experience at $118,974.

Common job titles: Network Administrator, Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, Security Analyst.

Seasoned professionals can expect salaries ranging from $85,000 to $110,000+, with the top end reaching $130,000 or more. Network Engineers with 6+ years of experience often average $120,000. Senior Network Engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn around $129,746.

Common job titles: Senior Network Engineer, IT Manager, Cloud Network Engineer, IT Consultant.

Salary growth doesn’t happen linearly. It accelerates as professionals transition into higher-value roles. Entry-level positions rely on core skills. Mid-career roles introduce infrastructure ownership and security responsibilities. Senior-level professionals often manage complex networks or lead strategic initiatives. The more advanced the role, the more financial value professionals bring to the organization.

The Network+ certification serves as the launchpad. Career growth and salary depend on how proactively professionals build on that foundation.

Table 3: Network+ Salary by Experience Level (US, 2025)

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (USD)	Common Job Titles
Entry-Level (0–2 years)	$45,000–$70,000	Help Desk Technician, IT Support Specialist, Network Support Technician, Junior Network Administrator
Mid-Career (3–5 years)	$65,000–95,000	Network Administrator, Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, Security Analyst
Senior-Level (6+ years)	$90,000–130,000+	Senior Network Engineer, IT Manager, Cloud Network Engineer, IT Consultant

Note: Actual figures may vary depending on industry, location, and role complexity.

Salary levels for Network+ certified professionals vary based on geographic region and industry. These factors can lead to wide income disparities, even among individuals with similar experiences and roles.

Salaries differ greatly across regions. Tech hubs like San Francisco and New York offer higher compensation. Network Engineers earn around $130,000 in San Francisco and $120,000 in New York. Network Administrators in the San Jose area can earn $139,670, and those in Maryland average $116,300.

Additional high-paying locations include:

Location	Salary (USD)	Role	Source
San Jose, CA	$139,670	Network Admin	BLS (2025)
San Francisco, CA	$130,000	Network Engineer	Shine
New York, NY	$120,000	Network Engineer	Shine
Washington D.C. Metro	$119,200	Network Admin	BLS (2025)
Maryland	$116,300	Network Admin	BLS (2025)
Green River, WY	$88,619	General	Infosec Institute

ITJobsWatch data (June 2025) lists the UK median salary for Network+ roles at £31,500. In London, this rises to £48,000. The South East reports a median of £41,250.

Entry-level professionals earn €35,000–€50,000. Mid-level ranges from €55,000–€75,000. Senior roles can earn €85,000–€110,000, especially in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

Payscale reports an average of C$68,000. IT Managers earn an average of C$84,995; Systems Administrators earn C$70,283; and Network Administrators make C$69,022. Cities like Kentville and Whitehorse report above-average figures, reaching up to C$73,540.

In Brisbane, advertised salaries include A$104,382–A$112,089 for ICT Systems and network Administrators and up to A$130,000 for Network Delivery Support Engineers. Helpdesk roles typically fall between A$55,000 and A$70,000.

Remote work may blur these regional differences. However, salary premiums remain strongest in high-demand urban markets.

Network+ certified professionals earn differently depending on the industry. Fields that prioritize secure, high-availability infrastructure tend to offer higher compensation.

Industry	Network Engineer Avg. (USD)	Network Admin Avg. (USD)
IT	$130,000	$95,360
Telecom	$126,900	$88,338
Finance	$118,000	$92,014–$96,924
Healthcare	$117,000	$92,014
Aerospace/Defense	$123,000	$101,230
Government	$111,000	$104,490
Education	$96,300	$92,014

Note: Figures represent average salary estimates for relevant roles in 2025.

Industries like finance and healthcare pay more due to data sensitivity and compliance demands. Telecommunications and IT sectors often pay well since network performance directly affects service delivery.

Network+ holders targeting these sectors may command higher salaries but should expect higher expectations around compliance, risk, and availability.

The demand for CompTIA Network+ certified professionals reflects the broader evolution of the IT landscape. While recent hiring trends suggest short-term volatility, the long-term need for skilled network professionals remains strong.

CompTIA’s Tech Jobs Report noted a net loss of 7,000 jobs in tech companies and an estimated 214,000 decline in tech employment overall. The unemployment rate for tech occupations rose from 3.1% to 3.5%.

However, nearly 203,000 new technology job postings were added in April alone, with 450,000 total active postings. According to CompTIA Chief Research Officer Tim Herbert, employer postings “continue to hold up,” signaling continued hiring potential as the market stabilizes.

Network+ helps professionals qualify for a wide range of IT infrastructure and support roles. According to CompTIA, “network engineers and architects,” “tech support specialists,” and cybersecurity analysts remain in high demand.

Common roles include:

• Network Administrator
• Systems Administrator
• Network Support Specialist
• IT Support Specialist
• Help Desk Technician
• Junior Network Engineer
• Entry-Level Network Security Analyst

These roles involve managing, supporting, and securing network environments, making Network+ a practical entry point into networking and cybersecurity careers.

Roughly 50% of all April 2025 tech job postings did not require a four-year degree. This trend toward skills-based hiring gives certifications like Network+ greater weight.

As a vendor-neutral credential, Network+ prepares professionals to work across mixed-platform environments. This makes certified individuals more versatile than those with vendor-specific training alone.

CompTIA Network+ is approved under DoD Directive 8140.03-M as of February 2025. Network+ is often required for those seeking IT or cybersecurity roles in the U.S. federal government or defense contracting. This federal alignment adds job stability and expands career access.

The latest Network+ exam (N10-009) includes cloud, virtualization, and SDN—all of which are core to modern networks. As 94% of companies adopt cloud platforms and the SDN market approaches $32.7 billion, these topics play a critical role.

Professionals who pair Network+ with skills in AWS, Azure, or automation tools can qualify for high-paying roles like:

• Cloud Network Engineer ($90,000–$130,000)
• Network Automation Engineer ($100,000–$140,000)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also reshaping the industry. From 2024 to 2025, employer demand for AI-related networking skills grew by 184%. AI now supports automation, performance optimization, and threat detection.

Although AI is automating standard tasks, network experts remain vital for complex problem-solving, architecture, and teamwork. To ensure continued success, it is crucial to be adaptable and dedicated to continuous education.

Evaluating the value of the CompTIA Network+ certification requires looking at return on investment, its role in career progression, and how it supports long-term skill relevance.

Salary Uplift: According to Skillsoft’s 2025 IT Skills & Salary Report, Network+ certified professionals earn about 20% more than their non-certified peers. Entry-level CompTIA Network+ salaries typically range from $50,000 to $65,000, compared to around $40,000 for non-certified individuals.

Cost vs. Earnings: The standard Network+ exam voucher costs $369. Self-study options usually total $500–$600, while more comprehensive training programs may exceed $2,000. Given that certification can boost salary by $10,000 or more in the first year, the ROI is often realized quickly.

Many industry reports show that certified professionals earn 15% to 30% more on average. Network+ fits this pattern, making it a solid early-career investment.

Network+ is commonly recommended as a starting point before pursuing more specialized certifications like Security+, Cisco CCNA, or AWS SysOps Administrator. It covers networking fundamentals that serve as the base for advanced credentials.

Many professionals follow this track:

• Network+ (0–2 years experience)
• CCNA (2–4 years experience)
• Advanced specializations (e.g., CISSP, AWS Advanced Networking)

Vendor-Neutral Advantage: Unlike vendor-specific credentials, Network+ applies to multi-vendor environments, making it valuable in hybrid workplaces.

Employer Recognition: Network+ is globally recognized and trusted by top organizations. It validates essential networking knowledge and job-ready skills.

The current N10-009 exam reflects industry evolution, covering zero-trust design, SD-WAN, cloud networking, Wi-Fi 6E, SASE, VXLAN, and more. The three-year renewal cycle encourages continuous learning.

The certification equips professionals with a strong foundation for modern networking environments and future technologies.

Certification	Avg. Salary (USD)	Focus
CompTIA Network+	$55,000–$90,000	Vendor-neutral networking fundamentals
Cisco CCNA	$65,000–$100,000	Cisco-specific networking
CompTIA Security+	$70,000–$100,000	Cybersecurity fundamentals
Network+ + Security+	$60,000–$100,000+	Combined networking and security

Item	Price Range (USD)	Notes
Exam Voucher	$400+	Standard price
Self-Study Materials	$30–$150	Books, apps, guides
Practice Exams	$20–$80	Optional add-ons
Basic Bundle	~$475	Includes voucher and retake
Exam Prep Bundle	~$591	Adds learning and practice tools
Self-Study Online Courses	$299–$529	With or without voucher
Instructor-Led Training	$1,800–$2,299+	Bootcamps and live classes

Note: All Network+ costs listed are estimates. Always check the official CompTIA or Training Camp website for current pricing.

The CompTIA Network+ certification is more than just a starting point. It drives real salary growth, opens doors to high-demand network jobs, and stays relevant as infrastructure continues to evolve.

Ready to build on that foundation?

Training Camp’s CompTIA Security+ Bootcamp will take you further. Gain hands-on skills in encryption, threat detection, and identity protection in a fast-tracked course led by industry experts.

 

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