How Much Does a Computer Network Technician Make in the United States?

While AI is the buzzword in today’s tech world, the real work happens in the IT infrastructure that powers it. The IT infrastructure encompasses hardware, software, networking components, data centers, cloud platforms, and security and monitoring systems.

From a small office setup to a global enterprise with a massive cloud-driven infrastructure, every business needs computer and network technicians to set up, secure, and maintain a complex network of computing devices that must operate smoothly.

A well computer network technician can earn between $38,000 and $124,000 annually in the US alone, depending on skills. With that said, this salary guide will help you get a better understanding of the salary potential for a well-respected, skilled computer network technician. 

National Average Salary And Key Factors

According to leading industry data, the median annual wage for a computer network technician in the U.S. is between $61,550 and $73,340, depending on experience and specialization. Entry roles start at $45,660, while top professionals can earn $124,470 or more. Even at the entry level, pay exceeds the typical median wage for many American professions, and growth is especially robust for those who advance their skills and certifications.

Here’s the salary at a glance:

What Factors Influence A Computer Network Technician’s Salary?

• Experience and Certifications: Credentials such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MCSA, and vendor-specific cloud certifications directly boost earning power and career progression.
• Work Environment/Industry: Sectors that rely on complex internal IT (finance, government, technology) often pay more and may require deeper technical acumen.
• Location (State/City): High-tech hubs like California and Alaska cities offer notably higher wages. For example, in Nome, AK, a technician can earn up to $73,306 annually, while in San Jose, CA, they offer nearly $69,258.
• Job Title or Role Level: Promotion from entry to senior specialist or diversification into related fields (network administrator, cybersecurity, systems engineering) is the fastest route to significantly higher pay.

Highest-Paying Roles And the Career Path to the Top

While “network technician” is the entry point, this career can evolve into more lucrative and specialized IT roles with the right experience and training.

01. Entry-Level Technician

• Description: Set up and configure network hardware, assist with troubleshooting, and perform  basic support tasks
• Certifications: CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+
• Salary: $45,660 – $54,700

02. Mid-Level Technician

• Description: Oversee medium-sized networks, manage basic cybersecurity, and help with server maintenance
• Certifications: Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MCSA
• Salary: $61,550 – $73,340

03. Senior Technician / Specialist

• Description: Lead IT/network projects, coordinate larger support teams, compliance/governance
• Certifications: Varies (could include Cisco CCNP, cloud, or security credentials)
• Salary: $73,340 – $124,470

04. Advanced Career Paths (e.g., Network Administrator, Systems Engineer, IT Manager, Cybersecurity Specialist)

• Description: Oversee organization-level infrastructure, strategic planning, higher-level troubleshooting, and  management
• Certifications: Specialized – example, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), AWS Certified Solutions Architect
• Salary: $96,800 – $130,390

Source: Coursera – Network Technician Salary Guide

Salary By Location: State And City

A technician’s earnings are strongly influenced by local demand and cost of living. The highest-paying cities for computer network technicians (based on recent data) are dominated by Alaska and California:

Career Growth, Advancement, And Future Outlook

Beyond just the immediate paycheck, a computer network technician offers a stable career with strong advancement potential in today’s digital world. 

Job Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall computer and information technology occupations are expected to grow much faster than the average between 2024 and 2034 —driven by continued digital transformation, increased device usage, telework, and investment in network infrastructure. 

How to Boost Your Earning Potential as a Computer Network Technician?

Boosting your earning potential as a computer network technician is very achievable and parallels the career-development strategies available to pharmacy technicians. While the field isn’t typically a “get rich quick” option, it provides an excellent springboard into IT, and there are several clear ways to move up and earn more over time.

Certification: Get Recognized and Eligible for Advancement

Obtaining industry-standard certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), or more advanced options like CCNP or cloud certifications is the quickest way to enhance pay and eligibility for specialized or higher-tier roles.

Employers often reward certification with higher salaries, sometimes as high as $83,000 per year for CCNA holders versus $73,000 for those with Network+.

Education: Degrees and Specialized Training

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a similar field can help qualify for supervisory, senior, or highly technical roles. While a degree is not always mandatory, further study provides a theoretical foundation that can help with career progression, especially in competitive corporate or government settings.

Gain Experience and Level Up

Most IT workplaces have a tiered system (Help Desk I/II/III, Junior/Senior Network Tech, Lead/Supervisor). Demonstrating competence, reliability, and leadership gets noticed—leading to promotions and pay bumps at each new level. Roles like network administrator or project lead typically pay substantially more than entry-level technician posts.

Specialize in High-Demand Fields

Specializing in areas like cybersecurity, cloud networking, or virtualization leads to higher pay. Moving from routine network support into roles with added responsibility for network security, wireless, or enterprise troubleshooting can dramatically boost earnings.

Technicians in sectors such as finance, healthcare, or telecom often command higher salaries due to specific industry needs.

Consider Location or Remote-First Roles

Geographical differences in pay remain significant. Urban areas and tech hubs (e.g., Silicon Valley, New York, Seattle) pay dramatically more than rural locations due to higher demand and living costs. Since many network jobs are now fully or partly remote, seeking nationally advertised jobs can also increase salary potential and improve work-life balance.

Leverage Communication and Soft Skills

Beyond pure tech skills, employers increasingly value technicians who communicate effectively, collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, and provide proactive solutions. Those who mentor newer hires or take on client-facing roles often receive additional pay.

Explore Alternate and Non-Traditional Paths

Technicians can also move into roles with insurance companies (e.g., evaluating network claims), technology vendors (as product specialists or trainers), research organizations, or government agencies. Teaching, consulting, or tech-writing are alternate paths for those seeking something different—often with higher pay than basic technician roles.

Conclusion: The Final Word

Computer network technician roles offer a stable entry into the IT field, with salaries ranging from around $38,000 to $124,000—sometimes higher for those who specialize or advance into leadership.

For motivated professionals eager to earn certifications, gain experience, specialize, and stay current with technology, upward mobility and salary growth are both very achievable.

Join CCI Training Center’s Computer Network Technician Program for growth in your IT career.