Software Engineer vs Network Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
Network Engineer
Design, implement, and manage computer network infrastructure.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $1,930/year (1%) higher than a Network Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Network Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Network Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $195,491 | Software $541 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $165,772 | Software +$1,058 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $192,889 | Software $3,421 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $149,704 | Software $870 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $145,221 | Software +$4,745 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $176,955 | Software $413 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £106,873 | Software $32,931 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$177,211 | Software $51,059 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or Network Engineer earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $134,050/year for a Network Engineer — a difference of $1,930 (1%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Network Engineer?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Network Engineer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Software Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer 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 — Software Engineer or Network Engineer?+
Software Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.