Network Engineer vs Penetration Tester: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Network Engineer
Design, implement, and manage computer network infrastructure.
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorised attacks on systems to find and report vulnerabilities.
Network Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $4,870/year (4%) higher than a Penetration Tester. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Network Engineer vs Penetration Tester — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Network Engineer | Penetration Tester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $195,491 | $193,496 | Network +$1,995 |
| New York, NY | $165,772 | $140,470 | Network +$25,302 |
| Seattle, WA | $192,889 | $188,841 | Network +$4,048 |
| Austin, TX | $149,704 | $145,769 | Network +$3,935 |
| Chicago, IL | $145,221 | $135,251 | Network +$9,970 |
| Boston, MA | $176,955 | $171,501 | Network +$5,454 |
| London, UK | £106,873 | £102,480 | Network +$4,393 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$177,211 | CA$166,911 | Network +$10,300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Network Engineer or Penetration Tester earn more?+
A Network Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Network Engineer is $134,050/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Penetration Tester — a difference of $4,870 (4%).
Which has better career growth — Network Engineer or Penetration Tester?+
Network Engineer roles are growing at 6% YoY while Penetration Tester demand is growing at 30% YoY. Penetration Tester has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Network Engineer to Penetration Tester?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Network Engineer or Penetration Tester?+
Penetration Tester has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.