Do I need CCNA for an entry-level network engineer job?

CCNA is the most recognized entry-level networking certification and many employers prefer it, but it's not always required. CompTIA Network+ is an alternative for more general IT networking roles.

What does an entry-level network engineer do?

Junior network engineers configure switches and routers, troubleshoot connectivity issues, manage VLANs, assist with firewall rules, and document network topology under senior guidance.

What salary can entry-level network engineers expect?

Entry-level network engineer salaries range from $50k to $75k. Government and defense sector roles often pay more, especially with security clearances.

174+ JobsUpdated Mar 5, 2026

Entry Level Network Engineer Jobs

Network engineering offers a clear, certification-driven career path. These entry-level positions welcome CCNA candidates and recent graduates who understand TCP/IP, routing, switching, and basic firewall configuration. Many employers provide training and support additional certifications.

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Salary Range

$65k – $234k

Top Companies

Cloudflare, AMERICAN SYSTEMS, Purolator Inc., Clarke Muskoka Construction, CALNET Inc., Motion Recruitment +26 more

Job Types

100% Full Time

Top Locations

Washington, District of Columbia, Arlington, CA, Brick Township

Work Model

78% On-Site, 16% Hybrid, 5% Remote

Experience Levels

97% Junior, 3% Intern

We found 174 entry level network engineer jobs currently hiring in locations including Washington, District of Columbia, Arlington, CA. Salaries range from $65k to $234k based on experience, location, and company size. Work arrangements include On-Site (78%), Hybrid (16%), Remote (5%). Top employers include Cloudflare, AMERICAN SYSTEMS, Purolator Inc. and 29 other companies.

Companies Hiring for Entry Level Network Engineer Jobs

Cloudflare3 jobs

AMERICAN SYSTEMS2 jobs

Purolator Inc.2 jobs

Clarke Muskoka Construction2 jobs

CALNET Inc.1 job

Motion Recruitment1 job

+26 more companies hiring. Sign up to see all.

Career Path & Salary Progression

Intern

Salary varies

1 job

Junior

$80k–$135k

36 jobs

Latest Jobs Added

Windows Systems Administrator - Secret Clearance

CALNET Inc.

8w ago

Systems Administrator MSP

Motion Recruitment

8w ago

Linux Systems Administrator Tier I

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

8w ago

Systems Engineer Intern

Leidos

8w ago

Systems Administrator Level 1

GRVTY

8w ago

Also searching for: systems engineer, systems administrator, network administrator

151–187 of 174 jobs

8w ago

Windows Systems Administrator - Secret Clearance

CALNET Inc.·Washington, District of Columbia, US

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Entry Level Network Engineer Jobs

Companies Hiring for Entry Level Network Engineer Jobs

Career Path & Salary Progression

Latest Jobs Added

Windows Systems Administrator - Secret Clearance

Systems Administrator MSP

Linux Systems Administrator Tier I

Systems Engineer Intern

Systems Administrator Level 1

UNIX SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR - Full-time

Junior Systems Administrator

Junior Software Systems Engineer

Systems Administrator - Top-Secret a must!

Engineer, Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer II (LabVIEW)

Junior Systems Administrator

Transportation Network Engineer — Analytics & Optimization

Jr. IoT Systems Engineer

Network Engineer, 2 (Fortinet, Meraki, Cisco, Juniper)

Field Systems Engineer (Windows / Endpoint Support)

Systems Administrator at MANTECH

Transportation Network Engineer — Analytics & Optimization

Associate Systems and Network Engineer

Systems Engineer II- Infrastructure Engineer

Construction Project Cost and Systems Administrator

Associate Systems Administrator

Systems Administrator, Mid - Army (TS/SCI) with Security Clearance

Construction Project Cost and Systems Administrator

Data Systems Administrator, Plant Sciences

Studio IT Systems Administrator: Windows​/Linux, VMware

Systems Engineer - Junior Level

NOC Network Engineer

NOC Network Engineer II - Night and Evening Shift

Linux Systems Administrator - Cloud & Distributed Systems, Lead Associate

RF/Communication Systems Engineer

Cloud Network Engineer

Software Engineer II, Automation Systems Engineering

Flight Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer, SSL/TLS Team

Systems Engineer, Cloudflare Tunnel

Systems Engineer, Platform

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Studio IT Systems Administrator: Windows/Linux, VMware