IT Networking Salary trends are changing rapidly as cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise networking skills become essential worldwide. Professionals with networking and cybersecurity expertise now enjoy strong demand, competitive salaries, and global relocation opportunities—especially in the USA, UK, Australia, Norway, and Canada.
This guide explains how much IT networking and cybersecurity professionals earn, how titles differ across countries, what taxes to expect, and how to improve your per-hour salary rate with the right education and certifications.
Table of Contents
IT Networking Salary Overview by Country (2026)
The IT Networking Salary varies significantly depending on region, experience, and specialization. Below is a practical overview based on market data and employer demand.
| Country | Avg Annual IT Networking Salary |
|---|---|
| USA | $75,000 – $130,000 |
| UK | £40,000 – £75,000 |
| Australia | AUD 80,000 – AUD 130,000 |
| Norway | NOK 650,000 – NOK 1,000,000 |
| Canada | CAD 70,000 – CAD 115,000 |
Countries with strong digital infrastructure investments offer better pay and faster career growth.
IT Networking Salary vs Cyber Security Salary Roles
In many markets, IT networking overlaps heavily with cybersecurity. Here’s how related roles compare:
- Average salary for a cyber security analyst (USA): $85,000 – $120,000
- Median cyber security salary (Global): $95,000
- Cyber security average starting salary: $60,000 – $75,000
- Cyber security sales salary: $100,000 – $160,000 (commission-based)
Roles combining information systems and cyber security salary skills earn more due to risk management and compliance knowledge.
Job Titles & Role Movement Across Countries
Job titles may differ, but responsibilities remain similar.
USA & Canada
- Network Engineer
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Cloud Network Architect
- Information Systems Security Specialist
UK & Australia
- Network Infrastructure Engineer
- Security Operations Analyst
- IT Systems & Network Consultant
Norway
- IT Security Engineer
- Network Operations Specialist
- Information Systems Cyber Security Analyst
Professionals often relocate from UK → Canada or Australia → USA for higher IT Networking Salary growth and better hourly consulting rates.
Education Impact on IT Networking Salary
Your degree level strongly influences earning potential:
- Associate degree in cyber security salary: $50,000 – $70,000
- Bachelor’s cyber security salary: $70,000 – $100,000
- Information systems cyber security salary roles: $90,000+
Certifications like CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and Cloud Security boost salary faster than degrees alone.
Taxes & Take-Home Pay Comparison
Understanding taxes helps evaluate real income.
- USA: 22–32% (varies by state)
- UK: 20–40%
- Australia: 19–37%
- Norway: ~34%
- Canada: 20–33%
Although Norway has higher taxes, strong social benefits and work-life balance offset costs.
IT Networking Salary Per Hour & Contract Work
Hourly rates are rising due to remote and contract roles:
| Country | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| USA | $45 – $120/hr |
| UK | £30 – £70/hr |
| Australia | AUD 60 – AUD 120/hr |
| Norway | NOK 700 – NOK 1,200/hr |
| Canada | CAD 40 – CAD 95/hr |
Freelancers and consultants earn significantly more than full-time employees.
How to Increase Your IT Networking Salary Faster
To improve your IT Networking Salary, focus on:
- Cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Zero Trust & SOC operations
- Automation (Python, Ansible)
- Cybersecurity compliance (ISO 27001, NIST)
- Remote global contracts
Professionals combining networking + cybersecurity + cloud skills earn the highest rates globally.
Future Outlook: IT Networking & Cyber Security Careers
Demand for IT professionals is expected to grow 15–20% annually. With AI-driven security threats increasing, roles linked to average salary of cyber security analyst and information systems and cyber security salary will continue rising.
Final Thoughts
The IT Networking Salary landscape is global, competitive, and full of opportunity. Whether you aim to relocate, freelance, or move into cybersecurity, upgrading skills and certifications is the fastest way to increase earnings in USA, UK, Australia, Norway, and Canada.
FAQs
What is the average IT Networking Salary in 2026?
The global average ranges from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on country and specialization.
Which country pays the highest IT Networking Salary?
The USA and Norway offer the highest salaries, especially for cloud and cybersecurity roles.
Is cyber security salary higher than networking?
Yes. Cybersecurity roles typically earn 15–25% more than pure networking jobs.
Can networking professionals relocate easily?
Yes. Canada, Australia, and the UK have strong IT migration pathways.
Does certification increase salary?
Absolutely. Certifications can increase salary by 20–40%.
