Product Designer vs Network Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Product Designer
Design end-to-end product experiences across digital touchpoints.
Network Engineer
Design, implement, and manage computer network infrastructure.
Network Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $30,050/year (29%) higher than a Product Designer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Product Designer vs Network Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Product Designer | Network Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $152,323 | $195,491 | Product $43,168 |
| New York, NY | $124,352 | $165,772 | Product $41,420 |
| Seattle, WA | $152,056 | $192,889 | Product $40,833 |
| Austin, TX | $119,558 | $149,704 | Product $30,146 |
| Chicago, IL | $109,818 | $145,221 | Product $35,403 |
| Boston, MA | $139,034 | $176,955 | Product $37,921 |
| London, UK | £83,576 | £106,873 | Product $23,297 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,572 | CA$177,211 | Product $42,639 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Product Designer or Network Engineer earn more?+
A Network Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Product Designer is $104,000/year, compared to $134,050/year for a Network Engineer — a difference of $30,050 (29%).
Which has better career growth — Product Designer or Network Engineer?+
Product Designer roles are growing at 22% YoY while Network Engineer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Product Designer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Product Designer to Network Engineer?+
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 — Product Designer or Network Engineer?+
Product Designer has a lower AI automation risk (36% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.