Engineering · United States
Network Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL$99,876–$129,724 in 2026
Mid-level network engineers in Chicago, IL earn $99,876 to $129,724. CCNP and CCIE certifications are tangible negotiation leverage in this discipline — not just for the technical validation, but because they represent significant investment in the field. Engineers who can automate network operations (Ansible, Terraform for cloud networking, Python/Netmiko for on-prem) command premiums above the certification-only baseline.
Network Engineer Salary in Chicago — 2026 Overview
Entry Level
$87,248
0–2 years
Mid-Level
$114,800
3–5 years
Senior
$149,240
6–10 years
| Experience | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $76,778 | $87,248 | $97,718 |
| 3–5 years | $99,876 | $114,800 | $129,724 |
| 6–10 years | $129,839 | $149,240 | $168,641 |
| 11+ years | $162,901 | $189,420 | $215,939 |
Data reflects base salary for Network Engineers in Chicago, IL, 2026. Figures exclude bonus, equity, and benefits. Sources: market surveys, job postings, and aggregated offer data.
Why Network Engineer Salaries Are This Level in Chicago
Chicago's tech market sits between the salary extremes of the coasts and the Midwest. A strong fintech and enterprise SaaS presence keeps demand (and pay) solid. The city punches above its reputation in tech.
Chicago is significantly cheaper than coastal cities — a quality one-bedroom in Lincoln Park or the West Loop runs $1,600–$2,400/month. The lower cost of living means your take-home goes further, even accounting for Illinois income tax.
Top Chicago employers hiring Network Engineers
Network Engineer Job Market in Chicago: Demand & Hiring Outlook
Chicago sits among the most competitive engineering hiring markets in United States. Demand for Network Engineers here has consistently outpaced supply, which keeps salaries above national averages and gives candidates genuine leverage in negotiations. Companies in Chicago know they're competing not just locally but against distributed teams offering remote roles — so total comp packages, including equity, have become more generous as a result.
What Network Engineers in Chicago Actually Negotiate For
Base salary is only the starting point. The most experienced negotiators in Chicago push for the full package — and the employers who want you badly enough will move on more than just base.
- Certification budget (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE)
- On-call compensation
- Remote work
- Equity
- Lab/equipment access
Many Network Engineers leave $13,776–$28,700 on the table annually by not negotiating these elements. A signing bonus alone can be worth one to two months' salary — and it doesn't affect your base going forward.
Skills That Command the Highest Network Engineer Salaries in Chicago
Not all Network Engineers in Chicago earn the same — and the gap between the lower and upper end of the salary range comes down to specific technical and leadership competencies. These are the skills that consistently push offers toward $129,724 and above.
Is your Network Engineer offer in Chicago fair?
You now have the market range: $99,876–$129,724. The next step is knowing exactly where your specific offer sits — and getting the word-for-word script to negotiate it. SalaryAsk benchmarks your offer against live market data, builds your personalised strategy, and lets you practice the conversation with a virtual hiring manager.
No credit card · Takes 3 minutes
🛡️ Negotiate more than $19 back — or we refund you. No questions asked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Network Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Network Engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $114,800 for someone with 3–5 years of experience. Across all experience levels, the range runs from $76,778 for entry-level through to $215,939 for highly experienced or specialised professionals.
Is $99,876–$129,724 a good Network Engineer salary in Chicago?
Yes — for a mid-level Network Engineer in Chicago, IL, $99,876–$129,724 represents the market rate in 2026. If your offer falls significantly below $99,876, it's worth negotiating or understanding why the company is below the market benchmark. Offers above $129,724 typically reflect either a scarce specialisation, a particularly well-funded company, or both.
How much does a Senior Network Engineer / Principal Network Architect / Head of Infrastructure earn in Chicago?
Senior Network Engineers and people moving into Senior Network Engineer / Principal Network Architect / Head of Infrastructure roles typically earn $129,839–$215,939 in Chicago, IL. At the most senior levels, total compensation (including equity and bonuses) often substantially exceeds the base salary shown here.
How do I negotiate a Network Engineer salary in Chicago?
The first step is anchoring to market data — you now know the range is $99,876–$129,724. The second is understanding your specific leverage: your experience, the company's urgency to hire, and what competing offers or alternatives you have. SalaryAsk walks you through all of this, generates a personalised negotiation strategy, and gives you the exact language to use in the conversation.
Does remote work affect Network Engineer salaries in Chicago, IL?
It depends on the company's policy. Chicago, IL-based companies that allow full remote work sometimes adjust salaries to local market rates if you relocate — but many still pay the Chicago band ($99,876–$129,724) regardless of where you work. If you're negotiating a remote arrangement, it's worth explicitly agreeing on whether the salary is tied to your location or to the role's market rate.
What is the difference between a Network Engineer and a Senior Network Engineer / Principal Network Architect / Head of Infrastructure in terms of pay?
In Chicago, IL, the jump from mid-level (around $114,800) to Senior Network Engineer / Principal Network Architect / Head of Infrastructure level typically adds 30–50% to base salary, pushing total compensation well above $215,939. The increase isn't just tenure — it reflects expanded scope, ownership of systems, and the ability to operate without close direction. Companies at the Senior Network Engineer / Principal Network Architect / Head of Infrastructure level also tend to be more flexible on equity and signing bonuses.