Technology Washington (WA) Rank #5 of 50

Network Engineer Salary in Washington

The median network engineer salary in Washington is $116,840 per year, which is 27.0% above the national median of $92,000.

Median Salary
$116,840
vs National
+$24,840
State Rank
#5 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Network Engineer Salary Overview in Washington (2026)

Washington ranks #5 out of 50 states for network engineer compensation. This places Washington in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for network engineers seeking high pay. At $116,840 per year, network engineers in Washington earn $24,840 more than the national median of $92,000.

It's worth noting that Washington's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $116,840 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $101,600.

The salary spread in Washington is significant: network engineers at the 10th percentile earn $71,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $184,150 — a $113,030 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Washington for this role is Bellevue, where the median reaches $150,880.

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 Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level network engineer earns around $76,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $175,260 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,200
+$16,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,380
+$25,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$175,260
+$37,260 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $71,120
25th Percentile $93,980
Median (50th) $116,840
75th Percentile $149,860
90th Percentile $184,150

Network Engineer Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for network engineers in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Network Engineer in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

CiscoTCP/IPFirewallsVPNNetwork MonitoringCCNA/CCNP

Job Outlook in Washington

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Network Engineer Salary in Washington

How much does a Network Engineer make in Washington? ▼
The median network engineer salary in Washington is $116,840 per year, which is 27.0% above the national median of $92,000. Salaries range from $71,120 (10th percentile) to $184,150 (90th percentile).
How much does a Network Engineer make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,840, a network engineer in Washington earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for network engineers? ▼
Washington ranks #5 out of 50 states for network engineer pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level network engineers earn $76,200, while senior professionals earn $175,260.
How does Washington compare to other states for network engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for network engineers is Hawaii at $151,800. Washington's median of $116,840 ranks #5 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Massachusetts ($133,400) and New York ($121,440).
What is the entry-level network engineer salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level network engineer in Washington earns approximately $76,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $119,380. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $175,260.
What city in Washington pays network engineers the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for network engineers, with a median salary of $150,880. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.