Network Engineer Salary in India: Trends, Career Prospects, and More

The network engineer salary has been steadily increasing, as reported by sources like PayScale and Glassdoor. This reflects the growing demand for professionals in advanced network systems across industries. 

As demand for network engineers rises, salaries are expected to see continued growth through 2025. This blog examines the average network engineer salary, the role’s growing importance, and salary projections for the future.

Network Engineer Salary in India: Insights and Growth Prospects for 2025

The role of network engineers is evolving with the rise of cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity. As businesses move to cloud infrastructures and focus on data security, engineers will be key in designing, securing, and optimizing these systems, driving career growth through 2025.

Global salary trends show that network engineers will see salary growth, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, cloud networking, and data centers. 

In India, the network engineer salary is projected to grow by 20-30% by 2025, driven by rising demand for skilled professionals in network infrastructure, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

Choosing a career as a network engineer offers long-term benefits:

• Job Stability: As digitalization continues, network engineers play a key role in ensuring infrastructure success.
• Career Growth: With experience and certifications, professionals can transition to leadership roles, including network architect or IT director.
• Lucrative Salary: The increasing demand for network professionals translates into higher salaries and job security.

Next, let's examine the factors influencing network engineer salaries and career growth in India.

Eligibility Criteria and Career Path for Network Engineers

To become a network engineer, candidates typically need:

• Educational Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Electronics and Communication.
• Certifications: Industry-standard certifications like CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), CompTIA Network+, or Juniper Networks certifications significantly enhance job prospects.
• Career Path:
  • Entry-Level: Junior network engineer (0-2 years)
  • Mid-Level: Network administrator or support engineer (2-5 years)
  • Senior-Level: Senior network engineer or network architect (5+ years)
  • Specialization: Roles such as network security engineer or cloud network architect are possible with additional expertise.

Now that the eligibility and career path are clear, let's delve into the core roles and responsibilities of network engineers and how these shape career growth.

Core Roles, Responsibilities, and Must-Have Skills

Network engineers are responsible for building, managing, and securing network infrastructures that ensure smooth business operations. Key responsibilities include:

• Network Design and Setup: Designing and configuring network systems, ensuring scalability and security.
• Network Maintenance: Managing network performance, ensuring uptime, and troubleshooting issues promptly.
• Security Management: Implementing security protocols to safeguard the network from cyber threats.
• Problem Solving: Diagnosing network failures and implementing corrective measures to ensure minimal downtime.

Also Read: Cybersecurity Challenges: Top Issues and Effective Solutions for 2025

Having understood the key responsibilities, let's focus on the essential skills network engineers need to succeed and advance in their careers.

Must-Have Skills:

Network engineers require a blend of technical expertise and problem-solving abilities to ensure efficient network operations. Key skills include:

• Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of routing, switching, and network security to ensure network efficiency and reliability.
• Security Protocols: Understanding of VPNs, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to protect networks from cyber threats.
• Cloud Infrastructure: Familiarity with cloud networking platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud to manage modern, scalable networks.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills to diagnose network issues and implement corrective actions effectively.

Also Read: AWS Vs Azure: Which Cloud Computing Platform is Right For You?

Having explored the overall growth prospects and trends, let's now dive into the key roles and responsibilities of a network engineer to understand how they affect salary potential.

Network Engineer Salary in India: Key Job Role Details

Network engineer salaries in India vary based on the role, experience, and location. Below is a breakdown of key job roles and their respective average network engineer salary:

(Source: Glassdoor)

Also Read: Top 20+ Networking Certifications for Your IT Career in 2025: A Complete Guide

Now that the core responsibilities have been covered, it's time to look at the latest salary trends and how different industries are shaping the compensation packages for network engineers.

Network Engineer Salary in India: Latest Industry Trends

The following table outlines the network engineer salary in India at five major companies, illustrating the impact of company size and industry on compensation:

(Source: AmbitionBox)

With an understanding of industry trends, it's important to examine how experience directly influences salary levels, highlighting the pay progression at different stages of a network engineer's career.

Network Engineer Salary in India: Experience-Based Pay Scale

Network engineer salaries vary based on experience level. The following table compares salary ranges at different career stages:

Now that experience-based salaries are clear, let's explore how regional differences in India impact the network engineer salary, and why location matters in salary calculations.

Average Network Engineer Salary in India: Salary Comparison by Region

Salaries vary depending on location. Here is a regional comparison of network engineer salaries in five major Indian cities:

(Source: Glassdoor)

The network engineering field offers promising career prospects, competitive salaries, and opportunities for growth. By gaining the right skills and certifications, professionals can secure rewarding roles and thrive in this ever-evolving industry.

Also Read: How to Become a Successful Cybersecurity Engineer?

Having compared salaries by region, it's essential to explore the key factors that contribute to these differences and further impact network engineer salary in India.

Key Factors Affecting Network Engineer Salaries in India

The network engineer salary in India is influenced by several key factors that shape compensation trends in the industry. Understanding how these elements affect earnings provides professionals with insight into how they can optimize their career trajectory.

Here are some of the major factors that affect the network engineer salaries in India: 

Experience

• Entry-Level (0-2 years): Beginners typically earn INR 3L to INR 4L annually. They are still gaining skills and knowledge, which affects salary.
• Mid-Level (3-5 years): With a few years of experience, salaries rise to INR 5L to INR 7L. Experience allows for handling more complex tasks, increasing value.
• Senior-Level (5+ years): Senior engineers with specialized skills can earn INR 8L to INR 12L. Leadership roles and advanced expertise justify higher pay.

Location

• Metro Cities: Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR offer higher salaries ( INR 6L to INR 8L). The concentration of tech companies and higher living costs drive up salaries.
• Tier 2 Cities: Locations such as Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad offer slightly lower salaries (INR 4.5L to INR 6L). Lower cost of living and fewer large companies affect salary levels.

Industry

• Technology and IT Companies: Firms like Infosys, Wipro, and Cognizant offer higher salaries due to the technical complexity of network management in large-scale IT systems.
• Telecommunications and Networking Firms: These companies pay competitively (INR 5L to INR 8L) because network engineers manage mission-critical infrastructure.
• Startups and Small Enterprises: While base salaries may be lower, startups offer flexibility, stock options, and bonuses, creating alternative compensation packages.

Technical Skills

• Certifications: Advanced certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, and CompTIA Network+ can increase salaries by INR 1L to INR 2L. These certifications validate specialized knowledge and improve employability.
• Specialized Skills: Engineers skilled in network security, cloud networking, and 5G can earn up to INR 15L. These technologies are in high demand, making such professionals highly valuable.

Company Size

• Large Corporations and MNCs: These companies offer higher salaries and better benefits because they have bigger budgets and manage larger, more complex networks.
• Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Salaries may be lower, but SMEs offer faster career growth, more responsibility, and a personalized work environment, which can attract talent despite lower pay.

With a deeper understanding of the factors at play, let's look at practical strategies to increase your network engineer salary and position yourself for success in 2025.

Strategies to Improve Your Network Engineer Salary in 2025

As the demand for skilled network engineers grows, there are key strategies to boost your network engineer salary in 2025. Enhancing your technical skills, building a strong professional network, and mastering negotiation tactics can help increase your earning potential. By focusing on these areas, you can position yourself for career advancement and better pay.

Let's explore the strategies to help you achieve this.

1. Enhance Your Technical Expertise

Improving your technical knowledge is key to boosting your network engineer salary. Gaining certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, and staying updated with industry trends will make you more competitive and increase your earning potential.

• Obtain Advanced Certifications: Certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, and AWS Certified Solutions Architect are highly valued in the industry and can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Network engineers with expertise in network security, cloud computing, and 5G technology are in high demand. Specializing in these fields can increase your network engineer salary by up to INR 3L annually.
• Stay Updated with Industry Trends: With the rapid evolution of networking technologies, continuously updating your skills with the latest tools and protocols keeps you competitive and boosts your average network engineer salary.

Also Read: Top 10 Cloud Computing Online Courses & Certifications [For Students & Working Professionals]

2. Use Networking and Professional Connections

Building a strong professional network and leveraging industry connections can open doors to higher-paying opportunities and career advancement.

• Build a Strong Professional Network: Attend industry conferences, webinars, and seminars to connect with other network engineers and potential employers. Networking with professionals in the field often leads to new job opportunities or valuable career advice.
• Engage on Professional Platforms: Actively engage in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn and GitHub to showcase your expertise, join relevant groups, and increase visibility among potential employers.
• Seek Mentorship: Find experienced professionals who can guide your career development, helping you navigate job opportunities and salary negotiations.

3. Sharpen Your Negotiation Skills

Effective negotiation skills are essential to securing higher salaries and compensation packages. Researching salaries and highlighting your value during negotiations can lead to better offers.

• Research Market Salaries: Before entering negotiations, research the network engineer salary in India and compare salaries for similar roles in your area. Being informed helps you confidently ask for a competitive salary.
• Highlight Your Value: During performance reviews or job offers, emphasize your technical skills, certifications, and contributions to successful projects. Demonstrating your value can justify a higher salary offer.
• Consider Benefits and Bonuses: Don’t just focus on the base salary. Negotiate for additional benefits such as performance bonuses, flexible work arrangements, or stock options, which can significantly increase your total compensation.

4. Gain Experience in High-Paying Roles

Taking on leadership roles or pursuing opportunities in high-paying industries can accelerate salary growth. Gaining experience in specialized areas further increases earning potential.

• Take on Leadership Roles: Transitioning from a technical to a leadership role, such as a network manager or IT director, can boost your salary by as much as 30%.
• Pursue International Opportunities: Global companies or multinational corporations often offer higher salaries compared to local companies. Expanding your job search to international companies could result in a salary increase.
• Look for High-Paying Industries: Some industries, such as finance, telecommunications, and cloud service providers, offer higher salaries for network engineers due to the complexity and scale of their operations.

Also Read: 40+ Final Year Projects for Computer Science Students in 2025

5. Relocate to High-Paying Cities

Location plays a significant role in salary variation. Relocating to major tech hubs or global markets can lead to higher-paying job opportunities.

• Metro Areas and Tech Hubs: Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR offer higher salaries due to their status as tech hubs and the concentration of multinational companies. Moving to these cities can increase your network engineer salary by 20% or more.
• Global Opportunities: If you’re open to relocation, consider pursuing job opportunities in countries with higher salary offerings for network engineers, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia.

Having explored the current trends and career prospects for network engineers, let's now look at how upGrad can support your career growth in this field.

How Can upGrad Support Your Career Growth as a Network Engineer? 

upGrad’s network engineering programs provide expert-led training and hands-on experience to help you master key network engineering concepts. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to enhance your skills, these programs equip you with the knowledge and tools to succeed in the ever-evolving field of network engineering.

Designed to build a strong foundation and enhance your career in network engineering, here are some top courses to advance your expertise:

• Master the Cloud and Lead as an Expert Cloud Engineer
• Fundamentals of Cloud Computing
• Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
• Professional Certificate Program in Cloud Computing and DevOps

Want to know how to excel in the competitive network engineering job market?  Connect with upGrad’s counselors or visit your nearest upGrad career center for personalized guidance in refining your network engineering skills and accelerating your career growth!

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