Technology Tennessee (TN) Rank #34 of 50

Network Engineer Salary in Tennessee

The median network engineer salary in Tennessee is $81,880 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $92,000.

Median Salary
$81,880
vs National
$-10,120
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Network Engineer Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for network engineer compensation. Network Engineer salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $81,880 per year, network engineers in Tennessee earn $10,120 less than the national median of $92,000.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $81,880 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $92,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: network engineers at the 10th percentile earn $49,840, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $129,050 — a $79,210 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $92,000.

Nationally, network engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for network engineers across the country.

Network Engineer Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level network engineer earns around $53,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,820 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,400
$-6,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,660
$-10,340 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$122,820
$-15,180 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $49,840
25th Percentile $65,860
Median (50th) $81,880
75th Percentile $105,020
90th Percentile $129,050

Network Engineer Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for network engineers in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Network Engineer in Tennessee

Education

Most network engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CiscoTCP/IPFirewallsVPNNetwork MonitoringCCNA/CCNP

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, network engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Network Engineer Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Network Engineer make in Tennessee? ▼
The median network engineer salary in Tennessee is $81,880 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $92,000. Salaries range from $49,840 (10th percentile) to $129,050 (90th percentile).
How much does a Network Engineer make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,880, a network engineer in Tennessee earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for network engineers? ▼
Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for network engineer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level network engineers earn $53,400, while senior professionals earn $122,820.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for network engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for network engineers is Hawaii at $151,800. Tennessee's median of $81,880 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($82,800) and Ohio ($82,800).
What is the entry-level network engineer salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level network engineer in Tennessee earns approximately $53,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $83,660. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $122,820.
What city in Tennessee pays network engineers the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for network engineers, with a median salary of $92,000. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.