$176,000. That’s the average cisco certification salary for CCIE Security holders in 2026. Top earners? They’re clearing $250K with the right experience and location.
But not every Cisco cert delivers that kind of return. Some push your earnings way up. Others barely move the needle. And if you’re investing time and money into a certification, you deserve to know which ones actually pay off.
We analyzed salary data from PayScale, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and Talent.com to find the 5 Cisco certifications with the highest cisco certification salary impact in 2026. Here’s the complete breakdown, starting with a quick comparison.
Cisco Certification Salary Comparison: The Top 5 at a Glance
Before we get into the details, here’s your cisco certification salary cheat sheet for 2026:
| # | Certification | Avg. Salary | Range | Best For |
| 1 | CCIE Security | $176,000+ | $140K – $250K | Senior security engineers |
| 2 | CCIE Enterprise | $166,000 | $130K – $220K | Network architects |
| 3 | CCNP Security | $152,000 | $143K – $205K | Mid-career security pros |
| 4 | Cisco Automation | $120,000 | $100K – $140K | DevOps / NetDevOps |
| 5 | CCNA | $94,000 | $67K – $140K | Entry-level engineers |
Pretty big spread, right? The gap between CCNA and CCIE Security is over $80K a year. That’s not a small difference. That’s a completely different lifestyle.
Now let’s break down each certification and what it actually means for your paycheck.
The 5 Cisco Certifications With the Highest Salary Impact in 2026
1: CCIE Security – The Top Cisco Certification Salary Earner
Average CCIE Security salary: $176,000+. Range: $140,000 to $250,000+. It’s the top earner on this list, and it’s not close.
CCIE Security sits at the peak of the cisco certification salary chart because of one thing: scarcity. Only about 6,000 people worldwide hold it. Every organisation needs security expertise, and there simply aren’t enough certified engineers to meet demand.
Want the full salary story? Our CCIE Certification Salary Guide for 2026 covers all tracks, experience levels, and countries in detail. For a deep-dive specifically on the security track, see the CCIE Security salary breakdown.
Ready to pursue it? Our CCIE Security training programme uses live instruction from working CCIE engineers, not pre-recorded videos. Unlimited lab access and real-time Q&A included. Also check out our CCIE Data Center training and CCIE Automation course.
2: CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure – The Classic High Earner
Average salary: $166,000. Range: $130,000 to $220,000+.
CCIE Enterprise is the most popular CCIE track. And for good reason. It covers everything from BGP and OSPF to SD-WAN and network automation. The cisco certification salary for enterprise CCIEs is strong, even if it trails security by about 10-15%.
Why the gap? Simple supply and demand. More people hold CCIE Enterprise than CCIE Security. More supply means slightly lower premiums. But $166K is still excellent money.
Think of it this way. Going from CCNP to CCIE Enterprise typically means a 40-60% salary bump. CCIE holders earn between $100K and $196K depending on experience and role.
Sound like the right fit? Our CCIE Enterprise training covers both the ENCOR written exam and the full 8-hour lab. Live classes, expert mentors, and lab access included. Unlike pre-recorded courses, our live sessions let you ask questions and get real answers from working CCIE engineers.
3: CCNP Security – Strong Cisco Certification Salary Without the CCIE Grind
Average salary: $152,000. Range: $143,000 to $205,000.
Here’s something that surprised a lot of people. The cisco certification salary for CCNP Security is actually higher than many other expert-level certs in different vendor ecosystems. You don’t need CCIE-level commitment to earn $150K+ in security.
CCNP Security validates your skills in firewall management, VPN implementation, ISE deployment, and threat defense. It requires two exams: the SCOR 350-701 core and one concentration exam. ZipRecruiter data shows an average of $152,773 for CCNP Security professionals.
So what makes this cert special? It’s the sweet spot. Serious cisco certification salary growth without the 8-hour lab exam pressure. Most people earn CCNP Security in 6-9 months of focused study.
And it’s a natural stepping stone. Many of our students start with CCNP Security, build confidence, then move to CCIE. Smart strategy.
4: Cisco Automation (DevNet) – The Rising Star
Average salary: $120,000. Range: $100,000 to $140,000.
Cisco officially rebranded DevNet to “Cisco Automation” in late 2025. And that name change tells you everything about where the industry is heading.
The cisco certification salary for automation specialists is growing faster than almost any other Cisco track. Why? Because every network is moving toward API-driven management. SD-WAN, ACI, SD-Access – they all run on automation. Engineers who can write Python scripts, use Ansible, and work with REST APIs earn a real premium.
According to ZipRecruiter, Cisco DevNet professionals average around $105K, while those at the Professional level push $120K-$132K. And the trajectory is steep. Job postings requiring automation skills jumped 30% in the past year alone.
Think of automation skills like compound interest for your career. The longer you hold them, the more they’re worth.
Want to get started? Our CCNA Automation training builds your Python and API foundation. Then go deeper with Cisco ACI training, Cisco SD-WAN, or Cisco SD Access courses to specialize.
5: CCNA – The Foundation That Opens Every Door
The average CCNA salary reaches $112,333 in 2026, with entry-level roles starting around $50K and senior positions exceeding $140K. For a full breakdown by experience level and location, see our CCNA Salary Guide: Entry to Senior Level.
Our CCNA training program covers the full 200-301 syllabus with live classes and hands-on labs. Every student gets free 1-on-1 mentorship throughout the program. That’s something you won’t find with self-study.
Which Cisco Certification Salary Offers the Best ROI?
Good question. And the answer depends on where you are right now.
If you’re starting from zero, CCNA gives you the best bang for your buck. The exam costs around $330, and even a modest $10K salary bump pays for itself in the first month. That’s a no-brainer.
For mid-career professionals, CCNP Security is the sweet spot. You get cisco certification salary gains of $40K-$50K over CCNA-level earnings without the extreme time investment of CCIE.
And if you’re playing the long game? CCIE Security. Yes, it takes 12-18 months of serious prep. But that $176K+ average cisco certification salary represents a lifetime earnings difference measured in millions. A network engineer salary without any Cisco cert averages around $85K. With CCIE? Nearly double that.
Here’s an analogy. Going from CCNA to CCIE is like going from EMT to surgeon. Different league entirely. But the path through CCNP is your residency. Skip it at your own risk.
What Affects Your Cisco Certification Salary the Most?
The cert itself is only one piece. Here are the factors that actually move the needle on your cisco certification salary:
Location matters. A lot. CCIE holders in San Jose average 30-40% more than the national numbers. New York, DC, and Seattle also pay premiums. Remote work has narrowed this gap somewhat, but location still makes a difference.
Experience stacks. A CCIE with 3 years of experience earns around $150K. The same cert with 10+ years? That’s $200K-$220K territory. Certification plus experience is the real combination. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth for network-related roles through 2033, which means demand for Cisco certified professionals isn’t slowing down.
Specialization pays. Security-focused professionals consistently earn 15-20% more than generalists. Data shows that 87% of organizations report IT talent shortages, and security roles are the hardest positions to fill.
The training method counts too. Honestly, we see this all the time in our live classes. Engineers who learned through structured, hands-on training perform better in interviews and negotiate higher starting salaries. Learning from videos alone is like learning to swim by watching YouTube. At some point, you need to get in the water.
How to Maximize Your Cisco Certification Salary in 2026
Want the highest possible cisco certification salary? Stack your certs strategically.
Start with CCNA to build fundamentals. Add automation skills early, even if your main focus is security or enterprise. Then move to CCNP in your chosen track. Finally, target CCIE if you’re serious about hitting $170K+.
But don’t just collect certs. Build real skills alongside them. Lab practice matters more than most people realize. The CCIE lab exam is 8 hours of hands-on configuration. You need at least 500 hours of practice to feel comfortable. That’s why our courses include unlimited lab access. Because proper learning takes time.
And combine Cisco certs with complementary skills. A CCNP Security holder who also knows Python automation? That’s someone who gets multiple job offers. Check out our entry-level certification programs if you’re just starting out.
FAQ
What is the highest cisco certification salary in 2026?
CCIE Security offers the highest cisco certification salary, averaging $176,000+ per year. For a complete breakdown by track, experience level, and location, see our CCIE Certification Salary Guide for 2026.
Is a Cisco certification worth the investment?
Yes. Data from multiple salary platforms shows that 56% of certified professionals receive pay increases within 3 months of earning their certification. Even at the CCNA level, the average salary of $94K represents strong ROI against the $330 exam cost. Higher-level certs like CCNP and CCIE deliver even larger returns.
How long does it take to earn enough for a cisco certification salary boost?
CCNA takes 3-6 months of study. CCNP typically requires 6-9 months. CCIE needs 12-24 months depending on your experience and training approach. Live training with expert instructors can cut these timelines significantly compared to self-study.
Which Cisco certification should I get first?
Start with CCNA. It’s the foundation for every other Cisco certification path. From there, choose your specialization: security for the highest salaries, enterprise for the broadest opportunities, or automation for the fastest-growing demand. Each path leads to strong cisco certification salary outcomes.
Do Cisco certifications expire?
Yes. All Cisco certifications are valid for 3 years. You can recertify by passing exams, earning continuing education credits, or a combination of both. Keeping your certification current is important for maintaining your salary premium.
Bottom Line: Your Cisco Certification Salary in 2026
The numbers don’t lie. Cisco certification salary ranges in 2026 run from $94K at the CCNA level to $176K+ for CCIE Security holders. That’s a massive earnings gap, and the right certification strategy can put you on the higher end.
Quick recap of what matters most:
CCIE Security delivers the highest cisco certification salary at $176K+ average. CCIE Enterprise follows at $166K. CCNP Security hits the sweet spot at $152K with less time investment. Cisco Automation is the fastest-growing track. And CCNA remains the essential starting point for everyone.
Your move. Pick the certification that matches your career goals, invest in proper training, and the salary data shows you’ll get a solid return.Ready to start? Browse our Cisco certification training programs and book a free demo class. Our live sessions, expert mentors, and unlimited lab access give you the support that actually makes a difference.
