About the numbers: the salary figures in this article are rough US ranges, meant for orientation. They are not from a survey of ours, and pay varies a lot by country, city and employer. Check current job listings where you live before relying on them.
So you're considering the CCNA certification — but is it actually worth the investment? What jobs can you get, and how much can you realistically earn?
We've compiled the latest 2025 data on CCNA job opportunities, salaries, and career paths to help you make an informed decision.
CCNA Salary Overview (2025)
Let's start with what everyone wants to know — the money:
But that's just the average. Your actual salary depends heavily on experience, location, and specific role:
| Experience Level | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-3 years) | $45,000 – $55,000 |
| Mid Career (4-9 years) | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Senior (10-20 years) | $92,000 – $110,000 |
| Expert (20+ years) | $110,000 – $143,000+ |
Job Market Statistics
The demand for networking professionals remains strong:
CCNA is one of the certifications most often named in entry-level networking job ads.
Jobs You Can Get With CCNA
The CCNA certification opens doors to various networking and IT infrastructure roles:
Salary by Location (USA)
Location significantly impacts your earning potential. Here are the top-paying states for CCNA holders:
Pro Tip: Remote Work
Many networking roles now offer remote or hybrid options. You can potentially earn California-level salaries while living in lower cost-of-living areas — maximizing your purchasing power.
International Perspective: Romania
For our European readers, here's how CCNA salaries look in Romania:
| Experience | Annual Salary (RON) | Monthly (RON) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (1-3 years) | ~150,000 RON | ~12,500 RON |
| Mid Level (4-7 years) | ~215,000 RON | ~18,000 RON |
| Senior (8+ years) | ~270,000 RON | ~22,500 RON |
Romanian job portals currently list 90+ CCNA-related positions including Network Operations Center Engineer, System Administrator, and Network Security Engineer roles.
Is CCNA Worth It? ROI Analysis
Let's do the math:
| Investment | Cost |
|---|---|
| CCNA Exam Fee | $330 |
| Study Materials | $50 – $300 |
| Practice Exams | $25 – $100 |
| Study Time | 2-4 months |
| Total Investment | ~$400 – $730 |
The Return
CCNA holders earn on average $15,000 – $25,000 more per year than non-certified peers in similar roles. That means your certification pays for itself within the first month of your salary increase.
Career Progression Path
CCNA is just the beginning. Here's a typical career progression:
- CCNA → Entry-level network roles ($45K-70K)
- Experience + Specialization → Mid-level engineer ($70K-100K)
- CCNP → Senior network roles ($100K-130K)
- CCIE or Management → Leadership/Architect ($130K-200K+)
Many professionals combine CCNA with cloud certifications (AWS, Azure) or security certs (Security+, CISSP) to maximize their market value.
Key Takeaways
- Average salary: $74,000/year (USA), with top earners exceeding $140K
- Job demand: 197,000+ networking positions open in the US alone
- Best-paying roles: Network Security Engineer, Cloud Network Engineer
- ROI: Certification pays for itself within 1-2 months
- Career growth: Clear path from CCNA → CCNP → CCIE
The Bottom Line
CCNA remains one of the most valuable entry-level IT certifications. With strong job demand, competitive salaries, and clear career progression, the investment in time and money delivers significant returns for those committed to a networking career.
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