Network Security Engineer Salary In 2025: What To Expect

Finding the right salary for network security jobs is challenging. A Network Security Engineer makes an average of $115,113 yearly. This blog will show you what salaries to expect in 2025, with a focus on places like Houston, TX.

Keep reading for details!

Key Takeaways

• In 2025, network security engineers in the U.S. are expected to earn an average of $147,815 a year.
• Salary varies with experience: beginners might start at $64,000 a year; mid-level experts can make $80,000 to $120,000; and top professionals could earn as much as $185,345.
• Location affects income. Cities like San Francisco and New York City often pay more than others do. Houston also offers competitive salaries for this role.
• This job focuses on protecting computer networks from cyber threats using tools such as firewalls and encryption software.
• There’s room for career growth: starting as a junior engineer can lead to higher positions like Senior Network Security Engineer or Cybersecurity Consultant over time.

Average Network Security Engineer Salary in 2025

Looking into the future, network security engineer salaries in 2025 are expected to rise. With growing concerns over data safety and cyber threats, these experts are more valuable than ever.

Their work includes protecting computer systems from attacks, ensuring safe internet use, and keeping private information secure. This job demands a deep understanding of how different network defense tools operate—from firewalls and antivirus software to more complex encryption methods.

With their crucial role in guarding against digital dangers, it’s no wonder they’re projected to earn well for their skills and dedication.

Median annual salary across the United States

In the United States, network security engineers earn an average total pay of $147,815 per year. This job plays a crucial role in protecting networks from threats and breaches.

Even though working with cyber threats and complex systems is challenging, keeping data safe offers satisfaction.

Network security engineering involves handling internet safety and safeguarding network infrastructure. This includes local area network (LAN), industrial control systems, and ensuring secure network access control.

Cities like Houston, TX, Dallas, TX, and regions such as Missouri show different salary ranges for this career.

The job market for these professionals is diverse across the country. Senior network security engineers typically earn more due to their experience. Meanwhile, cyber security engineer positions might offer similar responsibilities but differ in focus areas.

This profession appeals to those interested in a career that blends high reward with significant responsibility—an opportunity to impact how secure data remains against increasing cybersecurity threats.

Hourly wage expectations

Network security engineers make about $60.07 per hour. This rate is for cyber security experts who protect computer networks. Knowing this helps with budget planning and lifestyle choices.

It’s useful for all career stages, from beginners to seasoned professionals. It also aids in negotiating fair pay and understanding your position in the IT field across various locations, including Houston, TX.

Salary Range by Experience Level

The pay for a network security engineer changes a lot with how much experience they have. People just starting out earn less, but as they get better at their job and take on more responsibility, their salary goes up quite a bit.

Entry-level positions

New hires in network security start at $64,000 a year. Some earn as much as $60.07 an hour or $124,948 annually. These positions indicate the starting point for individuals aspiring to be cyber security engineers in the United States.

Entry-level assignments familiarize them with networking and cybersecurity, emphasizing data protection against threats.

Through gained experience, beginners learn to assure network safety through practical work with actual world challenges. As they advance, their incomes rise and they manage larger initiatives.

This journey guides them to become mid-level professionals in network security.

Mid-level professionals

Cybersecurity professionals like Cybersecurity Engineers, Penetration Testers, and Security Consultants earn from $80,000 to $120,000 with 3-5 years of experience. This salary range shows the high value companies place on network security skills to protect against hackers.

Working as a Cybersecurity Engineer means facing new challenges every day. Tasks vary from trying to breach your own company’s networks for testing defenses, updating security protocols, to training staff on new cyber threats.

The job stays interesting because cyber threats constantly evolve.

Senior-level engineers

Senior network security engineers in the United States earn an average salary of $152,851 annually. Some can make up to $185,345. These professionals have deep knowledge in protecting online information.

They work with tools like firewalls and encryption software to prevent cyber attacks. Their skills are crucial for defending company data against hackers, which is why they are highly paid.

As a former senior network security engineer, I tackled challenging issues daily to secure data. This job requires constant learning about new threats and defense methods.

Geographic Variations in Salary

Where you live can really change how much money you make as a network security engineer. Cities like Houston, TX, pay more than others, and different areas across the United States have their own salary ranges.

High-paying cities and states

Cities and states in the United States offer different salaries for network security engineers. San Francisco, CA, has an average salary of around $145,000 per year. Close by, San Jose, CA offers about $142,000 annually. In New York, these experts make roughly $130,000 every year. Location affects how much you make as a network security engineer.

In places like San Francisco and New York, there’s a high demand for skilled network security engineers. Companies need professionals to protect data from online threats and hackers. Working in these cities means earning more and facing significant cyber security challenges directly.

Regional differences across the United States

Salaries for network security engineers vary greatly in the United States. In California and Virginia, salaries reach up to $135,250 and $131,340. But in Rhode Island, the average salary is much lower at $44,000.

Factors like cost of living, demand for cybersecurity skills, and the number of tech companies influence these differences.

States with higher living costs usually pay more. More tech companies in an area also mean higher wages because they compete for skilled workers. This information helps IT professionals or cybersecurity experts plan their career path in network security engineering across different states.

Exploring Network Security Engineer Roles and Responsibilities

Network security engineers ensure computer systems are safe. They manage hardware and software for data protection. These experts monitor networks to spot weaknesses. They create guidelines for securing information, preventing hackers from stealing or harming data.

They must understand operating systems, troubleshoot network issues, and know basic coding languages. Firewalls and antivirus software are tools they use against cyber threats. Daily, they update systems to resist attacks better.

For those interested in this career path, knowing the job description is key. In the United States, including places like Houston, TX, and other regions in the south and northwest territories, this role is vital.

The average salary for a network security engineer varies by location and experience level. Senior network security engineers earn more due to their expertise in protecting networks from cyber-attacks compared to entry-level positions like cyber security engineers who are starting their careers.

Career Path and Job Opportunities for Network Security Engineers

Network security engineers progress through their careers by gaining skills and experience.

• Starting as a Junior Network Security Engineer involves hands-on work with firewalls and monitoring threats, allowing for quick learning.
• After some years, you can move up to a Mid-Level Network Security Engineer. This role requires solving more complex problems and implementing advanced security measures.
• As a Senior Network Security Engineer, you’ll lead projects, create security strategies, and guide newer engineers.
• Some choose to focus on identifying risks as Cybersecurity Analysts.
• Others become Cybersecurity Consultants, helping companies enhance their network security.

Regarding salaries:

• A Network Engineer position at Connection in Falls Church, VA pays between $65 – $75 per hour.
• The City of Oklahoma City offers pay between $43.12 – $65.93 per hour for its Network Security and Firewall Engineers.

With time and experience, there’s the potential to take on management roles or even become a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Each career step presents new challenges but also opportunities for growth in network security.

Conclusion

The salary for a network security engineer in the United States looks promising by 2025. Salary varies by city and experience level. Entry-level workers earn less, but their pay increases over time.

Houston, TX, pays high salaries for this role. With rising cyber threats, the demand for network security engineers is growing. This increase in demand makes it an ideal time to enter or advance in this career field.

Watching for industry trends and updating skills can open up even more opportunities.

FAQs

1. What is the expected average salary for a network security engineer in 2025?

The average salary of a network security engineer in 2025 is anticipated to increase due to the growing need for cyber security. However, exact figures can vary based on factors such as location and job descriptions.

2. How does location impact a network security engineer’s salary?

Location greatly influences the average base salary of a network security engineer. For instance, salaries in cities like Houston, TX might differ significantly from other parts of the United States.

3. What could be the potential salary range for a senior network security engineer in 2025?

The salary range for a senior network security engineer will likely be higher than that of an entry-level position due to their advanced experience and skills. The precise figure would depend on several aspects including employer size and region.

4. How do I use career explorer tools to understand future trends in network security engineering salaries?

Career explorer tools are useful resources that provide detailed information about various professions including job descriptions, average salaries, and projected growth rates – all valuable data when considering future trends in network security engineering salaries.