Network Engineer Salary in India
Communication, as well as the exchange of data for commercial purposes, is extremely important in the world today. Thus, the need for network engineers in India has been increasing tremendously over the years. The average salary of a network engineer is dependent on factors such as skill set, qualifications, location, and experience in the industry. In this blog, we will discuss the factors affecting the network engineer salary in India and the top skills needed to land high-paying jobs in this field.
Overview of Network Engineer Salaries in India
The average salary of a network engineer in India varies based on experience, location, and skill levels. For freshers, the annual salary typically ranges from ₹2.5 to ₹5 lakh. However, as they gain experience, network engineers can expect their salaries to increase significantly. Experienced and highly skilled network engineers in India can earn up to ₹20 lakh per year. The network engineer’s salary in India per month can range from ₹25,000 to ₹40,000.
Network Engineer Salary Across Major Cities in India
The network engineer salary in India differs greatly from one major city to another due to the demands, living costs, and work experiences. Here is a list of the salary structure of network engineers in various cities, states, and territories of India:
| Cities | Salary (LPA) |
| Mumbai | ₹2.5 LPA- ₹7 LPA |
| Bangalore | ₹3 LPA- ₹6 LPA |
| Chennai | ₹2 LPA- ₹4.5 LPA |
| Hyderabad | ₹2.5 LPA- ₹5 LPA |
| Delhi | ₹2.5 LPA- ₹5.5 LPA |
| Kolkata | ₹3 LPA- ₹5 LPA |
Network Engineer Salary by Educational Qualifications
The network engineering salary in India differs from one employer to another depending on the level of education that an individual possesses. Generally, individuals with advanced certifications and degrees secure a higher salary range than those with only entry-level skills and certifications. Below is the salary range according to their educational level:
| Educational Level | Salary (LPA) |
| Bachelor’s Degree | ₹2.5 LPA- ₹5 LPA |
| Master’s Degree | ₹4 LPA- ₹7 LPA |
| CCNA Certification | ₹3 LPA- ₹6 LPA |
| CCNP Certification | ₹4.5 LPA- ₹8 LPA |
| Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert | ₹6 LPA- ₹12 LPA |
Network Engineer Salary Based On Their Experience Level
In India, the salary for a network engineer greatly depends on his/her years of experience and the technical skill set. More experienced engineers often have specialized skills and hence get compensated more. Here is a glimpse of the salary ranges for experience and skills:
| Experience Level | Salary (LPA) |
| Fresher (0-1 years) | ₹2.5 LPA- ₹3.5 LPA |
| Mid- Level (2-5 years) | ₹4 LPA- ₹7 LPA |
| Senior- Level (5 plus years) | ₹8 LPA- ₹15 LPA |
| Highly skilled (Network Architect, CCIE) | ₹12 LPA- ₹20 LPA |
Network Engineer Salary Based On Their Skill Set
The salary of network engineers in India can also be dependent on their area of specialization or skill set. The following is a representation of the average annual salary of a network engineer based on skill sets:
| Skill | Salary (INR LPA) |
| Network Security | ₹6.5- ₹8.5 LPA |
| Cloud Networking (AWS/Azure) | ₹7- ₹9 LPA |
| SDN & Network Automation | ₹7.5- ₹10 LPA |
| Firewall Configuration | ₹6- ₹8 LPA |
| Troubleshooting | ₹5.5- ₹7.5 LPA |
| Routing and Switching | ₹6- ₹8 LPA |
Network Engineer Salary Based On Company
The salary of a network engineer also differs from company to company in India and is affected by factors such as the size of the company, its industry, its location, etc. Given below is a comparative analysis of the average annual salaries of Network Engineer in a few organizations:
| Company | Salary (INR LPA) |
| Amazon | ₹9.5- ₹27 LPA |
| TCS | ₹6 LPA |
| Cisco | ₹7- ₹18 LPA |
| Wipro | ₹2.5- ₹12.4 LPA |
| HCL | ₹2.4- ₹10 LPA |
Factors Affecting Network Engineer Salary in India
Various factors influence and affect the salary of a network engineer in India, be it for entry-level professionals or an experienced one. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions. Here are some of the key factors that determine a network engineer’s salary in India:
- Educational Qualifications: Education is one of the major factors influencing a network engineer’s salary. Most engineers who finish their bachelor’s degree in computer science or related courses often have a fair starting salary. Higher degrees and certifications such as a master’s degree or certificates like CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE can also increase their salary prospects.
- Experience Levels: Experience is one of the key determinants of salary ranges. Fresher network engineers (0-1 year experience) usually earn anything between ₹2.5 to ₹4 LPA and other engineers with experience of 2-5 years earn anywhere from ₹4 LPA to ₹7 LPA. However, network engineers with up to 5 or more years of experience can have a much higher salary of up to ₹20 LPA.
- Geographic Factors: The location of a network engineer can significantly determine their pay. For instance, most of the metro cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore pay much higher salaries compared to the smaller towns. This is because of the higher availability of jobs for skilled personnel and the high standard of living in those cities.
- Industry and Sector: The industry in which a network engineer works can influence salary ranges. Sectors such as information technology, telecommunications, and finance are known for offering higher salaries.
- Skill: Proficiency in advanced techniques like cloud computing, and cyber security can offer a substantial boost to one’s salary. Employers constantly seek candidates with skills in popular tools and platforms.
Top Skills to Boost Your Salary as a Network Engineer
The following are a few skills that you might want to consider developing if you wish to increase your earning potential in India as a network engineer:
- Cloud Computing: Knowledge about cloud solutions like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud will lead you to obtain even better-paying jobs.
- Network Security: Having certifications in the areas of network security, can be of high demand, considering the increase in the importance of cybersecurity.
- Automation and Scripting: Skills in scripting languages like Python, PowerShell, or Bash allow for the automation of network management tasks, hence raising your earning potential.
- Software-Defined Networking: Understanding SDN principles enables an engineer’s ability to operate and maintain networks more efficiently, which is an asset for the employer.
- Troubleshooting and Inductive Reasoning: The ability to analyze problems logically and develop effective solutions can set you apart from other candidates and also increase your earnings.
Conclusion
In India, the average network engineer salary in India can be influenced by several factors including experience, location, and skill levels. If you’re looking to advance your career as a network engineer, then focus on acquiring and mastering the skills relevant to the field. Exploring areas such as cloud computing, network security, and automation can significantly boost your earning potential. If you also want to know more about the salary for a software engineer in India, check out our blog on software engineer salaries in India.
FAQs
Answer: The salary of a network engineer in India is about ₹3.5- 7.5 LPA for entry-level jobs. For experienced professionals, the salary can be in the range of ₹8 lakhs to ₹20 LPA depending on individual experience, certification, etc.
Answer: Certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, Networking on Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure Networking, and SDN-related certifications can lead to higher salaries.
Answer: To get a high-paying job, one must concentrate on developing skills that are currently in high demand, such as network security, cloud networking, and automation. Pursue appropriate certifications and practical application through projects and internships.
