What are the Salary Expectations After Completing CCNA Certification?

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification stands as a globally recognized and highly sought-after credential within the Information Technology (IT) industry.¹ For any individual aiming to launch or accelerate a career in computer networking, the CCNA serves as a critical benchmark, validating a professional’s fundamental skills and knowledge in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting modern networks.³ The demand for these validated skills is booming; in the United States alone, there are over 240,000 open jobs for networking professionals, and the CCNA is the single most requested certification among them, underscoring its immense value in the current job market.¹

In the United States, the average salary for a CCNA-certified professional in 2025 falls within a range of $75,000 to $92,000 per year.¹ However, this figure is highly variable and represents only a baseline. Earning potential can escalate significantly based on factors such as job role, experience, and location, with top earners, specialists, and professionals in high-demand areas commanding salaries well over $120,000 annually.⁶

A single national average, while useful, fails to capture the nuanced reality of compensation in the dynamic field of IT. A professional’s true earning potential is not determined by the certification alone but by a confluence of critical factors. This report provides a deep, data-driven analysis of the specific variables that shape a CCNA professional’s paycheck. It explores the exact job roles the certification unlocks, quantifies how salary grows with experience, identifies which cities and states offer the most lucrative opportunities, and evaluates how the CCNA’s financial value stacks up against other key industry certifications.

Blog Claim: The CCNA certification remains a premier, high-value investment for networking professionals, offering a clear, quantifiable, and rapid return by significantly boosting earning potential and opening doors to more advanced and lucrative career paths.

How Do Job Roles and Experience Levels Dictate Your CCNA Salary?

The CCNA certification is not a monolithic key that unlocks a single, fixed salary. Instead, it serves as a foundational credential that grants access to a wide spectrum of job opportunities, each with its own distinct salary range and career trajectory.² A professional’s ultimate earning potential is a direct function of the responsibilities they undertake, as defined by their job title, and their demonstrated expertise, measured in years of hands-on experience. These two factors work in tandem to create a clear and predictable path for salary growth.

An entry-level professional holding a CCNA certification, often starting in a role like an IT Support Specialist or Junior Network Administrator, can expect a starting salary in the range of $49,000 to $65,000.² As they accumulate experience and advance into more senior positions, such as a Senior Network Engineer, their salary can climb dramatically, reaching an average of $117,000 to $125,000 or even higher, demonstrating a clear and rewarding career progression.⁵

The Compounding Value of Experience and Role Specialization

A granular analysis of compensation data reveals the powerful interplay between job title and experience in determining a CCNA professional’s salary. While the job title sets a baseline salary range, it is the accumulation of experience that acts as the most significant multiplier for long-term earnings.

The Experience Multiplier

The correlation between years in the field and salary growth is both clear and substantial. The financial journey of a CCNA-certified professional can be mapped across distinct career stages, each marked by a significant increase in compensation.

• Entry-Level (0-3 years): Professionals new to the field, even with a CCNA, typically start in foundational roles. The average salary for this group is approximately $50,000 per year.⁷ Some data focusing specifically on “Entry Level CCNA” roles places the average slightly lower at $48,918, with a common range between $35,000 and $52,500.⁹ This tier includes titles such as Network Technician, Help Desk Engineer, and Junior Network Administrator.²
• Mid-Career (4-9 years): After gaining several years of practical, hands-on experience, professionals can expect their average salary to jump to around $70,000 per year.³ This represents a 40% increase from the entry-level average, highlighting the rapid value placed on proven skills.
• Senior-Level (10-20 years): With a decade or more of experience, senior professionals command another substantial pay increase, earning an average of $92,000 per year.³
• Late Career (20+ years): Professionals with over two decades of experience in networking reach the highest earning tiers based on experience alone, with an average salary of $110,000 per year.³

The Role-Based Salary Spectrum

While experience provides a consistent upward trajectory, the specific job role determines the steepness of that climb. Different positions that leverage CCNA skills command vastly different pay scales, reflecting their level of responsibility and complexity. The following table synthesizes data from multiple sources to provide a clear picture of the salary landscape across common CCNA-related job titles.

Table 1: Average CCNA Salaries by Common Job Titles (2025)

The data reveals a critical dynamic: while the CCNA certification is instrumental in securing an initial position and establishing a salary floor, substantial long-term salary growth is overwhelmingly driven by the combination of certification and experience.¹⁰ The certification’s value is not static; its impact on salary is amplified by a professional’s tenure and proven skills. For an entry-level candidate, the CCNA might be the difference between a $40,000 and a $50,000 job offer. For a senior professional, however, the same certification can be the key that validates their years of experience and unlocks a promotion or a new role with a $30,000 to $40,000 salary increase. One professional with seven years of experience reported their salary jumping from $85,000 to $125,000 immediately after earning their CCNA, perfectly illustrating how the credential acts as a powerful catalyst to translate accumulated experience into recognized, compensable expertise.¹⁰ This suggests that the most effective career strategy is not merely to “get certified,” but to pursue certification as a means of validating and capitalizing on growing hands-on experience.

Sub-heading claim: While your specific job title establishes a salary baseline, your years of relevant experience serve as the most powerful multiplier for your long-term earning potential.

Which Geographic Locations Offer the Highest Pay for CCNA Professionals?

In the world of IT, where you work can be just as impactful on your salary as what you do. The principle of geographic pay variance is a significant factor in determining compensation for CCNA-certified professionals. Salaries are heavily influenced by regional economic factors, including the local cost of living, the concentration of technology companies, and the specific demand for networking talent in that market.¹ A detailed examination of the U.S. landscape, supplemented by a global comparison, reveals the most financially rewarding locations for networking experts.

In the United States, major technology hubs consistently offer premium salaries that significantly exceed the national average. Cities like San Francisco, with an average CCNA salary of approximately $104,000, and New York City, at around $97,000, lead the pack.¹⁴ Internationally, countries with strong technology sectors and high costs of living, such as Switzerland, where the average CCNA salary is equivalent to $104,000 USD, also provide highly competitive compensation packages.¹

A Geographical Guide to Maximizing Your CCNA Income

To maximize earning potential, it is crucial to understand which markets place the highest value on CCNA-certified skills. The data points to a clear concentration of high-paying opportunities in established U.S. tech hubs and select international markets.

High-Paying U.S. Tech Hubs

An analysis of metropolitan salary data highlights the significant pay premiums available to CCNA professionals in major U.S. cities. These locations are typically characterized by a high density of corporate headquarters, data centers, and technology firms, all of which require robust and expertly managed network infrastructures.

Table 2: Top-Paying U.S. Tech Hubs for CCNA Professionals (2025)

The International Salary Landscape

The CCNA is a globally respected certification, and its value translates into strong salaries in numerous countries. However, the earning potential varies significantly from one region to another. The following table provides a comparison of average CCNA salaries in several key international markets, with local currencies converted to U.S. dollars for standardization.

Table 3: International CCNA Salary Comparison (USD Equivalent)

While the six-figure salaries offered in tech hubs like San Francisco and New York are attractive, a purely location-based salary analysis is incomplete without considering the local cost of living. The highest nominal salary does not always equate to the highest disposable income or the best quality of life. For example, a professional earning $70,000 in a low-cost-of-living area in the Midwest may have more purchasing power and financial freedom than someone earning $100,000 in the San Francisco Bay Area, where housing and daily expenses are significantly higher.¹⁶ This crucial context means that the “best” location is relative to an individual’s financial goals and lifestyle preferences. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of remote work opportunities presents a powerful strategic advantage.⁶ A savvy CCNA professional may be able to secure a position with a company based in a high-cost-of-living city, thereby earning a salary benchmarked to that market, while personally residing in a low-cost-of-living area. This geographic arbitrage allows them to maximize their real income and is a critical consideration in modern career planning.

Sub-heading claim: Your physical or professional location can influence your CCNA salary as profoundly as your job title, with top-tier tech hubs offering a substantial pay premium that must be weighed against the local cost of living.

How Does the CCNA Compare to Network+ and CCNP in Terms of Salary?

To fully appreciate the financial value of the CCNA, it is essential to place it within the broader landscape of networking certifications. This landscape is largely defined by a clear progression of credentials, starting with the foundational CompTIA Network+, moving to the industry-standard CCNA, and advancing to the expert-level Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).¹⁷ Each certification represents a distinct level of expertise and specialization, and this is directly reflected in its market value and the salary it can command.

The CCNA, with an average U.S. salary of around $82,000, typically offers a significantly higher salary than the foundational, vendor-neutral CompTIA Network+, which averages closer to $68,000.⁶ For professionals who choose to advance their skills further within the Cisco ecosystem, earning the CCNP certification unlocks another substantial salary increase, with average earnings jumping to approximately $109,000 per year.²⁰

Mapping Your Financial Future: A Certification Salary Comparison

The journey from a networking novice to an expert is often marked by the acquisition of these key certifications. Understanding the salary expectations at each stage is crucial for effective career planning.

• CompTIA Network+ (The Foundation): As a vendor-neutral certification, Network+ validates a professional’s baseline understanding of networking concepts that are applicable across any platform or hardware.¹⁷ It is an excellent entry point into the field. The average salary for Network+ certified professionals is approximately $68,000, with a typical range falling between $55,000 and $90,000.¹⁹ It is widely regarded as a valuable stepping stone for those who later intend to pursue the more in-depth CCNA.²²
• Cisco CCNA (The Industry Standard): Unlike Network+, the CCNA is vendor-specific, focusing exclusively on the configuration and management of Cisco networking equipment. Because Cisco hardware dominates the enterprise networking market, this specialization is highly valued by employers. The CCNA is considered more rigorous and holds a higher reputation than Network+ ¹⁹, which translates directly to higher pay. The average salary for CCNA holders is consistently reported in the $70,000 to $92,000 range, with multiple sources placing the average at or above $82,000.¹
• Cisco CCNP (The Professional Level): The CCNP is an advanced-level certification designed for senior networking professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex enterprise networks.¹⁸ Achieving a CCNP demonstrates a mastery of Cisco technologies and qualifies individuals for senior roles and a significant salary premium. The average base salary for a CCNP professional is approximately $110,000, with a typical range of $92,000 to $129,000.²¹ On average, CCNP holders earn roughly $15,000 to $30,000 more per year than their colleagues who hold only a CCNA.²⁴

The distinct salary tiers associated with these certifications are clearly illustrated in the following comparative table.

Table 4: Certification Salary Comparison: Network+ vs. CCNA vs. CCNP (2025)

The clear salary progression from the vendor-neutral Network+ to the vendor-specific CCNA and CCNP is not merely a reflection of accumulated technical knowledge. It also reflects a strategic career choice that the market rewards. Employers, particularly large enterprises running on Cisco infrastructure, pay a premium for the CCNA and CCNP certifications because they act as a powerful signal. A candidate with a CCNA is perceived as a more direct and immediate fit for a Cisco environment than a candidate with only a Network+ certification, reducing hiring risk and future training costs for the company.¹⁷ The certification signals a professional’s commitment to and expertise within the specific technology ecosystem the employer utilizes. The CCNP amplifies this signal, indicating a level of mastery that is essential for senior and mission-critical roles. Therefore, the choice between Network+ and CCNA is a strategic decision about career branding. Pursuing Network+ keeps one’s options broad but may result in a lower starting salary. Committing to the CCNA involves specializing early but provides a faster and more direct path to higher earnings within the vast market of Cisco-powered networks.

Sub-heading claim: While Network+ provides an excellent entry point, the CCNA offers a higher salary floor by signaling valuable specialization, and the CCNP unlocks access to elite, six-figure earning potential for dedicated networking professionals.

What is the Real Return on Investment (ROI) for the CCNA Certification?

Viewing the CCNA certification not as a simple expense but as a strategic career investment is essential to understanding its true value.²⁵ A comprehensive analysis requires weighing the total potential costs—including exam fees, study materials, and the invaluable investment of time—against the quantifiable financial returns and significant, though less tangible, career benefits. This cost-benefit analysis reveals the certification’s Return on Investment (ROI) and clarifies its standing as a wise and profitable career move.

With a total investment cost that typically ranges from a modest $400 for a dedicated self-studier to a more comprehensive $3,800 for those opting for official training, the CCNA certification delivers a powerful and rapid ROI.² Driven by a potential salary increase of up to 20%, the majority of newly certified professionals are able to recoup their entire financial investment within the first few months of securing a new or higher-paying position.²⁶

A Comprehensive Breakdown of CCNA Costs and Benefits

To accurately calculate the ROI, one must first understand the full scope of the investment and the full spectrum of the returns.

Calculating the Investment

The financial outlay for earning a CCNA can vary significantly based on an individual’s chosen study methods and resources. The costs can be broken down into several key components.

Table 5: Estimated CCNA Certification Cost Breakdown (2025)

Calculating the Return

The return on this investment is multifaceted, encompassing direct financial gains as well as profound career advantages.

• Direct Financial Return: The most immediate and measurable return is the increase in salary. Studies and market data indicate that CCNA-certified professionals can see an average salary increase of up to 20% post-certification.²⁶ For a professional earning a pre-certification salary of $50,000, a 20% increase translates to an additional $10,000 in annual income. Against a mid-range investment of $1,000, this cost is recouped in just over one month of work, demonstrating an exceptionally high and rapid financial ROI.²
• Enhanced Career Mobility: The CCNA is a well-established catalyst for career advancement. It frequently enables professionals to transition from generalist IT support roles into more specialized and higher-paying networking positions.² This represents not just a one-time salary bump, but an acceleration of an individual’s entire career trajectory.
• Increased Job Security: In a highly competitive job market with over 240,000 open networking roles, the CCNA serves as a key differentiator. As the most requested certification in its field, it significantly enhances a candidate’s marketability, leading to greater job security and career stability.¹

The true ROI of the CCNA, however, extends beyond its immediate impact. It should also be evaluated based on the future opportunities it unlocks. The CCNA is the essential foundation—and often a prerequisite—for pursuing more advanced and even more lucrative certifications, such as the CCNP or specialized credentials in high-demand areas like cloud networking and cybersecurity.² The initial investment in the CCNA is precisely what makes the six-figure salaries of CCNP-level roles attainable. Therefore, when a professional considers investing in the CCNA, they are not just purchasing a potential immediate raise. They are acquiring an asset that grants them access to a career path that can lead to a $50,000 to $60,000 salary increase over time. This reframes the decision from a short-term calculation to a long-term, strategic investment in their entire career’s financial future.

Sub-heading claim: The financial return on investment for a CCNA certification is exceptionally high and rapid, and its true value lies in its role as a foundational asset that unlocks future, more advanced, and even more lucrative career pathways.

Conclusion

The data provides a clear and compelling verdict: the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a proven and powerful catalyst for career and salary growth in the IT industry. For professionals in the United States, obtaining a CCNA opens the door to an average salary range of $75,000 to $92,000, with a significant and achievable potential for six-figure earnings.

This analysis has demonstrated that maximizing this potential is a strategic endeavor. The highest returns are realized by professionals who combine their certification with hands-on experience, advance into specialized roles like Network Engineer or Security Analyst, and position themselves in high-demand geographic markets. The CCNA consistently outperforms foundational certifications like Network+ in earning potential and serves as the essential stepping stone to the elite salary brackets commanded by CCNP-certified experts. With an outstanding and rapid return on investment, the CCNA is more than just a line on a resume; it is a fundamental building block for anyone serious about constructing a successful, stable, and financially rewarding career in the dynamic and critical field of network engineering.

External links recommendations

1. (https://www.infosecinstitute.com/resources/ccna/average-ccna-salary/) ¹
2. (https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Ccna-Salary) ⁶
3. (https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Cisco_Certified_Network_Associate_(CCNA)/Salary) ⁵
4. (https://www.jobted.com/salary/ccna) ⁷
5. (https://www.ciscoprep.com/2025/03/13/ccna-certification-cost-salary-benefits-breakdown/) ²
6. (https://www.salary.com/research/salary/hiring/ccna-salary) ¹⁴
7. (https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Ccnp-Salary) ²¹

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