Pay by Role
Canada · Salary comparison

Network Engineer vs Systems Administrator salary

In Canada, a network engineer earns about 17% more than a systems administrator $128,484 vs $109,423 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CAD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Pays more
Technology
Network Engineer
$128,484/yr
Monthly
$10,731
Hourly
$62
Range
$86,833$179,383
10-yr outlook
+5%
Technology
Systems Administrator
$109,423/yr
Monthly
$9,107
Hourly
$53
Range
$75,961$150,369
10-yr outlook
+4%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileNetwork EngineerSystems Administrator
Entry (10th)$86,833$75,961
25th$107,658$92,692
Median$128,484$109,423
75th$153,898$129,896
Senior (90th)$179,383$150,369

National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Technology comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a network engineer or systems administrator earn more in Canada?
A network engineer earns more, at about $182,000 per year vs $155,000 for a systems administrator — roughly 17% ($27,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
A network engineer typically earns $123,000–$254,100, while a systems administrator earns $107,600–$213,000 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
On a monthly basis before tax, a network engineer averages about $15,200 and a systems administrator about $12,900.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in Canada, a network engineer earns about $123,000 while a systems administrator earns about $107,600 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in Canada, a network engineer earns about $254,100 while a systems administrator earns about $213,000 per year.
Are network engineer and systems administrator similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.