As the demand for IT professionals continues to surge, the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) credential remains a top choice for those entering or advancing in the networking field. Whether you’re considering CCNA certification or already certified, understanding the salary potential in 2025 is crucial for career planning. This article breaks down average salary ranges, job trends, and factors influencing earnings in the networking industry.
Average CCNA Salary in 2025
In 2025, CCNA-certified professionals in the U.S. earn an average annual salary ranging from $65,000 to $103,000, depending on experience, job role, and location. Entry-level roles start near the lower end, while experienced professionals or those in metropolitan areas may exceed the higher range.
General Salary Overview:
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Entry-Level (0–2 years): $60,000 – $75,000
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Mid-Level (3–5 years): $76,000 – $90,000
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Senior-Level (6+ years): $91,000 – $103,000+
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Network Engineers/Leads with CCNA: $95,000 – $120,000
Key Factors Influencing CCNA Salary
Several factors affect how much a CCNA-certified professional can earn:
1. Experience
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Professionals with more years in the field command higher salaries.
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A CCNA combined with 5+ years of practical networking experience significantly boosts earning potential.
2. Location
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Tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle typically offer higher salaries due to cost of living and demand.
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Remote work has widened opportunities but may equalize salaries in lower-cost areas.
3. Job Role
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Job titles such as Network Administrator, Systems Engineer, or Senior Network Analyst impact salary.
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Management or lead roles (e.g., Lead Network Navigator or Auxano Technical Lead) can reach beyond $120,000.
4. Certifications Beyond CCNA
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Adding advanced certifications like CCNP, CCIE, or CompTIA Security+ can increase your market value.
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Specializations in cloud (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect) or cybersecurity lead to higher-paying roles.
5. Industry
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Industries like finance, government, and healthcare typically pay more for networking professionals due to security and compliance demands.
Take-Home Pay for a $103,000 Salary
If you’re earning a $103,000 annual salary in 2025, here’s a rough estimate of your take-home pay after taxes (based on U.S. federal and state averages):
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Federal & State Taxes (approx. 25–30%): $25,000 – $31,000
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Estimated Net Annual Pay: $72,000 – $78,000
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Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$6,000 – $6,500
This varies depending on your state, deductions, benefits, and filing status.
Job Market Trends in 2025
1. Increased Demand for Networking Experts
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As businesses scale cloud and hybrid infrastructures, the need for certified networking pros is growing.
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Cybersecurity concerns also boost the demand for network-savvy professionals.
2. Growth of Remote Networking Jobs
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Companies continue offering flexible/remote roles, requiring solid networking infrastructure and expertise.
3. AI and Automation Integration
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Professionals skilled in automation tools and network scripting (Python, Ansible) are seeing salary premiums.
Education and Certifications Impacting Salary
Recommended Education:
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Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology
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Associate’s Degree plus experience can suffice for entry-level roles
Certifications That Complement CCNA:
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Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
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Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
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CompTIA Network+
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Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
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AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Certifications
Benefits of Being CCNA-Certified in 2025
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Competitive salary even at entry-level
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Versatile job opportunities across industries
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Stepping stone to higher Cisco certifications
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Strong foundation for cybersecurity and cloud careers
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In-demand skills amid global digital transformation
Final Thoughts
The CCNA certification continues to provide excellent return on investment in 2025, offering high salary potential and strong job security. Whether you’re just starting in IT or aiming to move up, CCNA serves as a powerful credential to help you stand out in a competitive job market. By combining it with experience, advanced certifications, and continuous learning, you can maximize your earnings and career growth.
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