A Network Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks within an organization. They are the guardians of the organizations' network, ensuring its smooth and efficient running. The role of a Network Administrator is crucial in ensuring seamless communication and collaboration throughout an organization. They provide access to critical data and applications. They must also protect sensitive information.
The highest salaries for Network Administrators are typically earned by those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in areas like cybersecurity and cloud computing. Salaries can reach upwards of $150,000 or more per year for highly skilled and experienced professionals in major metropolitan areas.
Network Administrators perform a wide range of tasks. They plan and design network infrastructure. They install and configure network devices. They troubleshoot network problems. They monitor network performance. They maintain network security. They provide technical support to users. They stay updated on the latest technologies.
Network Administrators will need to possess good technical knowledge to succeed in their job roles. They have to be strong in networking protocols (TCP/IP, OSI model), routing and switching concepts, and network security principles. Hand-on experience will be required from the side of network devices: routers, switches, firewalls, and servers.
Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills are essential. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are required to interact with users and collaborate with other IT professionals. Customer service skills are required to assist users with network-related issues.
Analytical and critical thinking skills are important in network performance data analysis, in identifying potential issues, and providing a rational basis upon which decisions can be made. A solid work ethic is essential. Generally, network administrators work alone and must establish well-defined priorities to meet specific deadlines.
The average salary for a Network Administrator can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience, industry, and employer. In the United States, the average annual salary for a Network Administrator in 2025 is estimated to be around $95,000. In India, the average annual salary for a Network Administrator is estimated to be around ₹1,470,000.
The salary for a Network Engineer can be highly variable depending on several key factors:
Experience Level: More experienced engineers generally earn higher salaries. Entry-level engineers are generally less compensated than mid-level professionals, and senior-level engineers with years of experience and specialized skills earn the highest salaries.
Role Specificity: Specialized areas like cybersecurity, cloud networking, or network automation will pay more due to the demand for those specific skills.
Employer Type: The type of employer can also contribute to salary determinations. Larger firms and organizations in fast-growing industries tend to offer greater salaries and benefits packages.
Location: Geographic locations also play an important role. Salaries in urban metropolises and tech hubs are relatively greater mainly because the cost of living is higher, besides there being a higher demand for specialized skills.
Experience Level |
India Salary (INR) |
US Salary (USD) |
Source |
Entry Level (0-1 year) |
₹4,68,750 - ₹6,97,380 |
$62,196 - $69,738 |
GeeksforGeeks |
Mid-Level (1-3 years) |
₹5,12,461 - ₹7,04,070 |
$64,733 - $70,407 |
GeeksforGeeks |
Senior Level (4-6 years) |
₹5,60,548 - ₹7,57,970 |
$70,067 - $75,797 |
GeeksforGeeks |
High Level (7+ years) |
₹6,08,635 - ₹10,00,000+ |
$75,736 - $82,575 |
GeeksforGeeks |
Job Role |
India Salary (INR) |
US Salary (USD) |
Source |
Junior Network Administrator |
₹10,00,000 |
$74,000 |
6figr.com, Glassdoor |
Senior Network Administrator |
₹19,00,000 |
$96,000 |
6figr.com, Glassdoor |
Lead Network Administrator |
₹18,00,000 |
$113,000 |
6figr.com, Glassdoor |
Assistant Network Administrator |
₹20,00,000 |
$74,000 |
6figr.com, Glassdoor |
Employer Type |
India Salary (INR) |
US Salary (USD) |
Source |
Large Corporation |
₹8,43,247 |
$95,360 |
GeeksforGeeks, Bureau of Labor Statistics |
Government |
Not specified |
$104,490 |
BLS |
Startup |
₹3,00,000-5,00,000 |
$80,600 |
GeeksforGeeks, Coursera |
IT Services Company |
₹5,00,000 |
$82,000 |
Coursera, Glassdoor |
Financial Institutions |
₹7,00,000 |
$95,360 |
Ambitionbox, Bureau of Labor Statistics |
Skill Set |
India Salary (INR) |
US Salary (USD) |
Source |
OSPF Networking |
₹14,70,000 |
$84,000 |
6figr.com, Glassdoor |
BGP Networking |
₹14,70,000 |
$87,000 |
6figr.com, Glassdoor |
EIGRP Networking |
₹14,70,000 |
$85,500 |
6figr.com, Glassdoor |
Network Security |
₹15,00,000 |
$118,000 |
GeeksforGeeks, Glassdoor |
Cloud Networking |
₹16,00,000 |
$95,000 |
6figr.com, Glassdoor |
Firewall Management |
₹14,50,000 |
$92,000 |
GeeksforGeeks, Glassdoor |
Certification |
US Salary (USD) |
Source |
CompTIA Network+ |
$78,000 |
Coursera |
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) |
$90,000 |
6figr.com, Coursera |
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security |
$97,000 |
Coursera |
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) |
$107,000 |
Coursera |
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) |
$140,000 |
Coursera |
Location |
Mean Annual Salary (USD) |
Source |
Maryland |
$116,300 |
Bureau of Labor Statistics |
California |
$114,770 |
Bureau of Labor Statistics |
District of Columbia |
$113,990 |
Bureau of Labor Statistics |
Rhode Island |
$112,220 |
Bureau of Labor Statistics |
New Jersey |
$111,190 |
Bureau of Labor Statistics |
Location |
Average Annual Salary (INR) |
Source |
Bengaluru, Karnataka |
₹6,20,000 |
ambitionbox.com |
Mumbai |
₹6,40,000 |
ambitionbox.com |
Delhi |
₹6,10,000 |
ambitionbox.com |
Chennai |
₹6,30,000 |
ambitionbox.com |
Hyderabad |
₹6,20,000 |
ambitionbox.com |
Education Level |
India Salary (INR) |
US Salary (USD) |
Source |
High School Diploma or Less |
₹6,97,380 |
$69,738 |
GeeksforGeeks |
Associate Degree |
₹7,04,070 |
$70,407 |
GeeksforGeeks |
Bachelor's Degree |
₹4,24,900 |
$75,797 |
WorldSalaries.com, GeeksforGeeks |
Master's Degree |
₹5,65,100 |
$77,829 |
WorldSalaries.com, GeeksforGeeks |
Industry |
US Salary (USD) |
Source |
Technology |
$95,360 |
6figr.com, BLS |
Finance |
$92,014 |
Coursera |
Healthcare |
$92,014 |
Coursera |
Government |
$104,490 |
BLS |
Education |
$92,014 |
Ambitionbox, Coursera |
Retail |
$92,014 |
Coursera |
Manufacturing |
$101,060 |
Coursera |
Transportation & Logistics |
$92,014 |
Coursera |
Energy |
$92,014 |
Coursera |
Telecommunications |
$92,014 |
Coursera |
Network Administrators are highly paid due to the critical nature of their role. They are responsible for maintaining the smooth and secure operation of an organization's network, which is essential for business continuity and productivity.
To obtain a competitive Network Administrator salary, focus on building a strong foundation of technical skills. Gain hands-on experience through internships, personal projects, or volunteering opportunities. Also consider the Cisco Programming for Network Engineers PRNE v2.0 course and Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies course.
NetCom Learning, as an Authorized Cisco Learning Partner, offers a wide range of Cisco training courses and certifications. Visit our Cisco Courses page to explore our comprehensive portfolio and advance your networking career.