Stepping into the world of networking with a Cisco certification opens more than just technical doors; it unlocks the real earning potential. As companies and many organizations race to strengthen their digital backbone, certified network professionals with CCNA certification are among the most sought-after hires in the tech world.
Whether you are planning your first career move or aiming to level up, understanding the salary landscape behind CCNA-level roles can give you the clarity you need to chart your next step with confidence.
In this blog, we are going to dive into CCNA Job Salary insights and the top-paying roles for CCNA-certified professionals.
A Closer Look At The CCNA: What You Need to Know
The Cisco Certified Network Associate certification demonstrates the individual’s ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot computer networks. Candidates who obtain this certification will be familiar with services such as Network Time Protocol (NTP), Domain Name System (DNS), and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
To obtain the CCNA Certification, candidates must pass the CCNA core exam,Administering Cisco Solutions (200-301 CCNA). The exam is offered only in English and Japanese. The CCNA exam takes 120 minutes. The CCNA exam is based on six domains that are as follows;
- Network Fundamentals—20%
- Network Access—20%
- IP Connectivity—25%
- IP Services—10%
- Security Fundamentals—15%
- Automation & Programmability—10%
What Is The Recertification Policy For The CCNA Exam?
Anyone who doesn’t pass the Cisco Certified Network Associate exam must wait five calendar days before retaking it. However, if they plan to retake the same exam with the same score, the waiting period extends to roughly 180 days. For those who fail an online or non-proctored test, the retake window is shortened to 48 hours.
What Is The CCNA Certification Cost?
The CCNA Certification costs $300 in the United States. However, costs vary globally due to currency exchange rates and taxes. Additionally, candidates should expect to pay a similar fee when retaking the test or renewing their Cisco Certified Network Associate certification.
Why The CCNA Is A Game-Changer For Your Tech Career
Earning a CCNA certification can significantly improve your earning potential. Many professionals pursue this credential, even though it focuses on Cisco systems, because Cisco remains a dominant force in networking. In fact, during the first quarter of 2025, Cisco controlled 30.9% of the Ethernet switch market, underscoring its strong industry presence. Candidates who obtain this credential will have numerous entry-level CCNA jobs. The demanding ones are as follows;
- Network Technician
A Network Technician is the one who directly operates with the network’s physical and basic logical parts. Using CCNA skills, they handle tasks such as connecting and testing cables, configuring basic router and switch settings, assigning IP addresses, and verifying device connectivity.
- Network Administrator
A Network Administrator manages the everyday operations of the network. Their responsibilities rely heavily on CCNA concepts, including maintaining VLANs, trunk links, inter-VLAN routing, DHCP, and basic OSPF configurations. They monitor routers and switches, apply access control lists for security, and troubleshoot issues.
- Help Desk Analyst
A helpdesk analyst focuses on supporting end users, using CCNA-level knowledge to identify issues with IP settings, DNS resolutions, wireless connectivity, or gateway communications. They guide users through basic network troubleshooting and gather diagnostics, such as IP configurations and latency tests.
- IT Support Specialist
An IT Support Specialist handles a mix of system and network issues. They configure client networking settings, resolve issues related to VLAN mismatches or switch port problems, support Wi-Fi connectivity, and set up routers and switches for small firms.
- Network Engineer
A Network Engineer designs, builds, and optimizes networks using the full scope of CCNA routing and switching knowledge. They also troubleshoot more complex problems involving multiple technologies and document network designs and changes.
- Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer integrates servers and applications with the network. Their responsibilities require understanding how VLANs, IP subnets, routing, and DNS/DHCP services interact. They ensure that servers communicate correctly across networks, work with networking teams during deployments, and diagnose connectivity issues between systems and the underlying network infrastructure.
- IT Security Specialist
An IT Security Specialist uses CCNA security-related knowledge to protect the network. They apply secure configurations on routers and switches, enforce segmentation using VLANs, implement ACLs and port security, and monitor traffic for suspicious activity.
- Data Center Technician
A data center technician ensures that networks and server hardware operate correctly within a data center environment. They handle structured cabling, connect devices to switches, configure VLANs, and trunk ports.
What Are The Highest Paying Roles For CCNA Certifieds In 2026?
The top job roles with the most lucrative salaries for CCNA holders are IT Director, Senior Network Engineer, and Cyber Security Systems Engineer, where the annual income is typically more than $118,000. Besides, positions such as Cloud Network Engineer, Cisco-focused Cyber Security specialist, and Network Engineer, which are a level higher than fundamental roles like Network Administrator, can also offer high remuneration.
To about the worth of a career with CCNA, Explore: Benefits and Perks of Cisco CCNA Certification.
How Much Does A CCNA Certified Earn In 2026?
The salary of a CCNA-certified professional can vary depending on several factors, as discussed below. Additionally, it may differ across various sources and websites. However, the salaries of CCNA-certified individuals in the United States across multiple sources are as follows;
- ZipRecruiter Reports: The CCNA-certified earn $67,800 per year, with a range of $38,500 to $121,000 in 2026.
- Glassdoor Reports: The median salary for a CCNA-certified professional is $105K per year, with a range of $77K to $139K.
- Indeed Reports: The salary range for CCNA professionals is $75,000-$140,000 per year, depending on the role.
- Payscale Reports: The annual wage of the CCNA professional is $95K.
CCNA Salary With No Experience
Cisco CCNA Certification is the starting point for individuals just beginning their careers in networking. For individuals with no experience, the CCNA yearly potential is USD 54,200 with a range ofUSD 20,100 to USD 114,600.
CCNA Salary Entry-Level
The entry-level CCNA salary of a fresher ranges from USD 20,500 to USD 97,500, with a yearly income of USD 49,000 in the current year.
What Is The CCNA Salary Across The Cities In The USA?
| Cities | Annual Salary |
| Whitehorse, YT | $94,372 |
| Haines Junction, YT | $93,995 |
| North Cowichan, BC | $93,718 |
| Alberton, PE | $91,927 |
| Victoria, BC | $92,793 |
| Duncan, BC | $93,358 |
(The following data has been collected from ZipRecruiter.)
What Is The CCNA Salary Globally?
| Countries | Salary |
| United Kingdom | £41k |
| United Arab Emirates | AED 103k |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 96k |
| China | ¥32,000 |
| Japan | ¥13.3 million |
| Germany | €54k |
| Srilanka | LKR 1m |
| New Zealand | NZ$84k |
| India | ₹14,500 |
(The following data has been collected from PayScale.)
CCNA Salary: As Per Job Roles
| Job Roles | Salary |
| Network Technicians | USD 57,500 |
| Network Administrators | USD 81,749 |
| Help Desk Analyst | USD 55,474 |
| IT Support Specialist | USD 57,162 |
| Network Engineer | USD 109,964 |
| Systems Engineer | USD 122,017 |
| IT Security Specialist | USD 111,066 |
| Data Center Technician | USD 53,648 |
Delve into the details of the Cisco Wage: Cisco Certification Salary Explained in 2025
Factors Affecting The CCNA Salary
Level of Professional Experience
The experience of a CCNA-certified professional is one of the most significant factors affecting salary. Entry-level positions, such as Network Administrator, may start around $50,000–$70,000 per year in the United States. In contrast, professionals with 5 to 10 years of experience in roles like Senior Network Engineer can earn well over $100,000 annually.
Type of Job Role
Different CCNA-related roles carry different pay scales. For instance, a Cyber Security Systems Engineer or IT Director typically earns more than a standard Network Engineer due to the higher level of responsibility and specialized skills required.
Industry You Are Currently Working With
The sector in which you work also impacts salary. Networking professionals in finance, healthcare, or technology firms usually earn higher wages compared to those in education or government roles. For example, a CCNA working at a tech company like Cisco or Google may earn more than one working at a small public institution.
Geographical Location
Salaries vary significantly depending on the country or city. Networking professionals in the United States, Canada, or Western Europe generally earn higher wages than in developing countries. For example, a CCNA-certified individual in NYC or San Francisco can earn 20-30% more than someone in a smaller city.
Additional Certifications And Skill Sets
Combining CCNA with other certifications, such as CCNP, CCIE, or cybersecurity-related credentials, can substantially boost earning potential. Likewise, skills in cloud networking, network automation, or security can make a professional more valuable to employers.
Companies You Are Currently Working In
Large multinational companies tend to offer higher pay compared to smaller organizations. For instance, a CCNA working at a large company may receive better compensation and benefits than someone at a small local IT firm.
To know which one is better among CCNA and CCNP, explore: The Ultimate Guide to CCNA vs CCNP Certifications.
How Can A CCNA Certified Maximize Their Salary?
Build Strong Hands-On Experience
The more you can personally do and get involved with the networking, troubleshooting, and system management, the more money you will be able to make. Concentrate on tangible projects, internships, or freelance activities that will lead you to have a strong portfolio.
Advance With Higher Certifications
Increase your value and gain many opportunities for senior positions with higher salaries by adding advanced-level certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, or cybersecurity certifications.
Focus on In-Demand Specializations
Have a skill in any one of the following, and you will be very popular with employers: cloud networking, network automation, cybersecurity, and data center technologies. Then you can command high salaries.
Aim for High-Paying Roles
Roles such as Senior Network Engineer, Cybersecurity Systems Engineer, IT Director, or Cloud Network Engineer would pay more than fundamental networking roles.
Choose Lucrative Industries and Companies
The technology, finance, and healthcare sectors are the ones that usually offer higher salaries. Being employed in big, well-established organizations or multinational companies will also raise your pay.
Companies That Are Currently Hiring CCNA Certifieds
The companies in the United States that are currently looking for certified CCNA professionals are as follows;
- CCNA Cisco Network Engineer (Hireblazer)
- Sr. Network Engineer with ( WITH ALL 3 – CCIE, CCNP, AND CCNA certifications) (USM)
- Network Technician (Meraki / CCNA) – Hybrid (Lenmar Consulting Inc.)
- CCNA Wireless Network Solutions Engineer (Experis)
- DHS Network Engineer (Mid) (Versar, Inc.)
- Sr. Network Engineer – with Active CCNA & Fortinet Lead Skills on site (Simple Solutions)
- Cisco CCNA Adjunct Instructor (California Institute of Arts & Technology)
Remote CCNA Jobs In The United States
The CCNA jobs (remote) are as follows;
- SDA Network Engineer | Remote (US Signal)
- Remote Network Engineer (Zunch Staffing)
- Network Escalation Engineer (Marco Technologies LLC)
- URGENT NEED – Network Engineer – Manager – REMOTE (Navtech, Inc.)
- DHS Network Engineer (Mid) (Versar, Inc.)
- IP Network Test Engineer (By Light Professional IT Services LLC)
Conclusion
The CCNA provides a strong foundation in networking, where professionals gain the skills needed for support and technician roles, and for more advanced network and security careers as experience builds. As earning potential increases, salaries steadily rise as responsibilities expand. Whether someone is just beginning in IT or aiming to advance, the CCNA provides a reliable foundation that leads to stable job opportunities and long-term growth in the networking field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of Cisco CCNA jobs can I get?
With a CCNA, you can qualify for roles such as Network Technician, Help Desk Support, IT Support Specialist, Network Administrator, and even junior-level Network Engineer positions, depending on your experience.
Is CCNA enough to get an entry-level networking job?
Yes. CCNA provides the core networking skills employers look for in entry-level roles. Many companies hire CCNA-certified candidates even if they have limited hands-on experience, as the certification proves a strong understanding of networking fundamentals.
Is CCNA still relevant in today’s job market?
Of course! Networking remains essential across industries, and CCNA is one of the most recognized certifications for validating networking skills. Employers consistently seek candidates who hold the CCNA certification because of their expertise and knowledge.
What industries hire CCNA-certified professionals?
CCNA-certified individuals are hired across multiple industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, finance, education, government, and technology companies that manage large networks.
Will getting CCNP increase my salary after CCNA?
Of course! The CCNP is an advanced certification that often leads to roles like Senior Network Engineer or Network Specialist, both of which come with significantly higher salaries.
Article Sources
- IDC. “Worldwide Ethernet Switch Market Grew 32.3% in the First Quarter of 2025, according to IDC’s Quarterly Ethernet Switch Tracker, https://my.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS53608525.” Accessed In November 2025.
- ZipRecruiter. “Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Salary, https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Cisco-Certified-Network-Associate-Ccna-Salary.” Accessed in November 2025.
- Glassdoor. “CCNA Salaries, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/ccna-salary-SRCH_KO0,4.htm.” Accessed in November 2025.
- Indeed. “CCNA Salary, https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=CCNA+Salary&from=mobRdr&utm_source=%2Fm%2F&utm_medium=redir&utm_campaign=dt&vjk=df3a4fb9552079fc” Accessed in November 2025.
- PayScale. “Salary for Certification: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Cisco_Certified_Network_Associate_(CCNA)/Salary.” Accessed in November 2025.
