$176,000. That’s what CCIE Security holders average in 2026. The gap between that and a non-certified network admin? Often $60,000-$80,000 a year.
But not all Cisco certifications deliver the same pay bump. Some move the needle by $20K. Others move it by $80K. And one certification – the CCNA – pays back its $330 exam cost in under two weeks of extra salary.
Here’s the full picture across the top five, with 2026 salary data, Canada figures, a city-by-city comparison, and a guide on which cert to pursue based on where you are right now.
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 |
Sources: ZipRecruiter (May 2026), PayScale (2026)
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 Top 5 Cisco Certifications by Salary in 2026
1: CCIE Security – The Top Cisco Certification Salary Earner
CCIE Security sits at the top. It’s not just the highest-paying Cisco certification – it’s one of the highest-paying IT certifications, period.
What it pays:
- Average: $176,000+
- Range: $140K-$250K
- Top 10%: $250K+ in senior architect or consulting roles
Why the salary is so high:
There are roughly 6,000 CCIE Security holders worldwide. Security skills are the hardest IT skills to hire for right now. 87% of organisations report IT talent shortages, and security is the toughest category to fill.
That combination – a rare credential, a critical skill set, and a shortage market – drives salaries that few other IT certifications can touch.
Who earns the most:
CCIE Security holders in senior architect or consulting roles often clear $200K. San Jose and the Bay Area pay 30-40% above the national average. New York, Seattle, and Washington DC also carry significant premiums.
What it takes:
The CCIE Security path has two parts: a qualifying exam and an eight-hour lab exam. Most candidates need 12-18 months of dedicated preparation after reaching CCNP Security level. It’s genuinely difficult. That’s partly why it pays so well.
Full CCIE Security salary breakdown by role and city
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 – $166,000 Average
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
Automation skills changed the salary equation for network engineers. The DevNet Professional certification validates Python scripting, REST APIs, Cisco ACI, SD-WAN programmability, and network automation frameworks.
What it pays:
- Average: $120,000
- Range: $100K-$140K
- Engineers combining CCNP and automation skills: $150K+
Why automation salaries are rising:
Job postings requiring network automation skills grew 30% in the past year. Most organisations running large-scale network infrastructure are shifting toward intent-based networking and automated configuration management. Engineers who can write the code are hard to find.
Who it’s right for:
This cert makes sense if you’re already at the CCNA or CCNP level and want to differentiate without taking the CCIE route. Automation combined with security is one of the highest-paying skill combinations in IT right now.
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
CCNA is the starting point for almost every Cisco career – and it delivers immediate, measurable salary impact.
What it pays:
- Entry-level CCNA (0-2 years experience): $50K-$70K
- Mid-level with CCNA (2-5 years experience): $70K-$95K
- Senior engineer with CCNA: up to $140K
The ROI case for CCNA:
The CCNA exam costs $330. At an average salary of $94K, that exam cost pays for itself in under two weeks of additional earnings. No other certification comes close to that ratio.
56% of certified professionals report receiving a pay increase within three months of earning a new certification. For entry-level professionals, CCNA is the trigger. Non-certified network technicians typically earn $45K-$60K. CCNA-certified engineers with the same experience earn 15-25% more.
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.
Cisco Certification Salary by Location
Location changes the numbers significantly. Here’s what the same certifications pay across different markets.
United States – City Comparison
| City | CCNA | CCNP Security | CCIE Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $130K-$155K | $180K-$220K | $220K-$250K+ |
| New York, NY | $95K-$120K | $167K-$195K | $190K-$230K |
| Seattle, WA | $100K-$125K | $165K-$200K | $200K-$240K |
| Dallas, TX | $78K-$95K | $151K-$175K | $175K-$210K |
| National Average | $94K-$112K | $143K-$205K | $140K-$250K |
Sources: ZipRecruiter May 2026, Glassdoor 2026
Cisco Certification Salary in Canada
Canada’s IT job market has tightened sharply over the past two years. Cisco-certified professionals command clear premiums in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Calgary.
Canadian salary ranges by certification (2026 estimates):
- CCNA: $65K-$90K CAD (Toronto/Vancouver)
- CCNP Security: $100K-$140K CAD
- CCIE Security: $140K-$200K CAD (Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver)
Strong hiring sectors in Canada:
- Federal government IT contractors in Ottawa
- Telecom carriers (Rogers, Bell, Telus)
- Financial institutions concentrated in Toronto
- Energy and oil and gas infrastructure in Calgary
Both CCNP and CCIE holders with Canadian work authorisation face less competition than in US markets. The credential-to-job-offer pipeline is often faster, and total compensation packages at the federal level include pensions and benefits that offset slightly lower base salaries.
IT certification jobs and salary data for Canada
Cisco Certification Salary by Experience Level
Your certification matters. Your experience level matters more.
The same CCNP Security cert can mean $110K or $170K depending on how long you’ve worked in the field.
| Experience | CCNA | CCNP Security | CCIE Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | $50K-$70K | Rare at this stage | Not typical |
| 2-5 years | $70K-$95K | $110K-$135K | Not typical |
| 5-10 years | $85K-$115K | $140K-$165K | $155K-$185K |
| 10+ years | $100K-$140K | $155K-$205K | $175K-$250K |
US market data from ZipRecruiter, PayScale, and Glassdoor (2026)
The experience curve matters most at the CCIE level. A newly certified CCIE Security holder with five years of experience might earn $155K-$165K. The same cert holder with 12 years of experience and an architect title? $200K+ is common.
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., 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.
Which Cert Should You Pursue First?
If you’re earning under $60K (entry-level, non-certified):
Start with CCNA. It’s the only step that makes sense right now. Every other Cisco certification builds on it, and the salary jump from non-certified to CCNA-certified is the biggest percentage gain you’ll see in your entire IT career.
If you’re earning $65K-$90K (CCNA-level, 1-3 years experience):
CCNP Security or CCNP Enterprise is the next logical step. Security demand is strong enough that CCNP Security often leads to faster placement and higher starting offers than CCNP Enterprise.
If you’re earning $90K-$120K (CCNP-level, 5+ years):
You’re at the fork. If you’re willing to commit 2-3 years of study, CCIE unlocks architect-level compensation. If you want a faster bump and you’re interested in automation, DevNet Professional can add $25K-$40K without the CCIE timeline.
If you’re earning $120K+ (senior engineer, targeting $150K+):
CCIE Security or CCIE Enterprise are the logical next certifications. At this level, the credential is often the final piece needed to negotiate an architect or consulting engineer title.
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. Working in Canada? Our IT certification jobs in Canada 2026 guide covers salary data and demand specific to the Canadian market. 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+.Not sure whether to stop at CCNP or push for CCIE? Our CCIE vs CCNP comparison breaks down the salary gap, time investment, and which path makes sense at each career stage.
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
Bottom Line: Your Cisco Certification Salary in 2026
Five certifications define the Cisco salary ladder in 2026:
- CCIE Security – $176K+ average, top earners at $250K
- CCIE Enterprise – $166K average, best path for enterprise architects
- CCNP Security – $152K average, strongest ROI for professionals not yet at CCIE level
- Cisco DevNet/Automation – $120K average, fastest-growing demand
- CCNA – $94K-$112K average, best entry-level ROI by a wide margin
The $80K gap between CCNA and CCIE Security is real. Over a 20-year career, the difference in cumulative earnings exceeds $1.6 million.
The right question isn’t which certification pays the most. It’s which certification, at your current career stage, pays back the fastest – and puts you on track for the next level.
SMEnode Academy offers live, instructor-led training programmes for all five of these certifications. Every course is hands-on, taught by Cisco-certified instructors with active industry experience.
