CCNA Salary Guide 2026: Entry-Level Pay, Job Roles and Exam Process

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a foundational IT credential validating essential skills in computer networking, routing, switching, and network security. Entry-level CCNA salaries typically range from $35,000 to $52,000 per year, influenced heavily by geographical market demands, hiring company size, and specific technical job roles.

Understanding the CCNA Certification and Exam Parameters

The CCNA exam, designated officially as code 200-301, tests competencies across network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability, according to course provider data published by Coursesity and Coursera. Designed as an associate-level credential, the certification proves a candidate’s readiness for infrastructure support and foundational network operations.

The testing format requires candidates to complete a 120-minute examination available in English and Japanese. The base registration fee is set at $300 plus applicable taxes, though test-takers can offset expenses by applying prepaid Cisco Learning Credits or seeking employer-sponsored training subsidies.

For professionals weighing similar foundational qualifications, vendor-neutral alternatives like the CompTIA Network+ offer broader system training, yet the CCNA maintains distinct hiring traction because Cisco products captured a substantial 27.6 percent market share in Ethernet switches in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to Coursera data.

CCNA Salary Breakdown by Experience and Career Stages

Compensation for certified professionals spans a wide spectrum, reflecting varied reporting benchmarks across major employment platforms. ZipRecruiter lists the average annual salary at $82,062, while PayScale places the median figure higher at $95,000 per year.

Entry-level professionals encompassing zero to three years of experience earn an average of approximately $48,000 to $50,000 annually, with a common starting range spanning $35,000 to $52,000. Freshers entering the market with no prior professional background typically anchor at the $35,000 baseline, though larger enterprises requiring high-tech infrastructure support frequently offer higher compensation packages than smaller firms.

Mid-level practitioners holding four to nine years of experience experience notable upward mobility, securing average annual earnings near $70,000. Senior professionals with ten to twenty years in the field command salaries between $90,000 and $100,000. Late-career network specialists exceeding twenty years of dedicated experience routinely surpass $110,000 per year.

Compensation and Responsibilities Across Core Job Roles

Passing the CCNA exam qualifies candidates for several distinct technical positions across enterprise environments:

• Network Technician: Salaries range between $53,000 and $60,000. Professionals handle physical and logical network configurations, cable testing, router and switch checking, and IP address assignment.
• Network Administrator: Salaries range from $70,000 to $85,000. Responsibilities include troubleshooting user connectivity, managing VLAN maintenance, dynamic host configuration protocols (DHCP), and access control lists.
• Network Engineer: Salaries typically span $87,000 to $115,000. Engineers design, build, and optimize core network infrastructure using advanced routing and switching knowledge.
• System Engineer: Salaries range between $75,000 and $95,000. These roles blend networking expertise with server and application support, focusing heavily on subnets and VLAN communication.
• Network Operations Center (NOC) Engineer: Salaries range from $55,000 to $60,000. NOC engineers monitor network health, manage escalation alerts, and provide foundational documentation.

Exam Registration and Certification Tracking Procedures

Registering for the CCNA 200-301 exam requires navigating the official Cisco portal. Candidates select the learning tab, proceed to training and certifications, and choose the exam scheduling option. After authenticating or creating a user profile with valid credentials, applicants select their preferred testing center or online proctored option and complete payment via debit or credit card.

Maintaining accurate employment records requires active tracking of certification milestones. Professionals log into their Cisco accounts, navigate to the active certification tab, and review exam history, pass dates, and expiration markers. Professionals may select a three-year validation period. To maintain active status and prevent verification gaps during corporate hiring audits, credential holders may renew for a new certification for a higher-level Cisco exam like the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).