Hiring a network engineer: the market today
The short answer ·
785 open postings ask for a network engineer as of Nov 11, 2026, from 170 employers. The median advertised pay is $135,000, taking the midpoint of each posted range. 337 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.
Who you're competing with
Open postings · Ayla, Nov 11, 2026
What it pays
Advertised pay (range midpoints), 584 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Sep 2026
Questions buyers ask
How hard is it to hire a network engineer?
Hard. 170 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Leidos with 65 open postings.
What should I pay a network engineer?
Advertised pay centers on $135,000. Federal staff in series 2210 average $147,616 in actual pay.
Where is a network engineer being hired?
As of Nov 11, 2026, the most open postings for the role are in Virginia (160), Maryland (106) and California (69). Together they hold 43% of its 785 open postings.
Who can help me hire a network engineer?
Ayla's recruiters, for government agencies and contractors. Send the role for a free market brief within two business days, then interview the people we find; you pay a placement fee when you hire.