Network Engineer vs Systems Administrator salary
In United Kingdom, a network engineer earns about 20% more than a systems administrator — $143,242 vs $118,877 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is GBP). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Network Engineer$143,242/yr
- Monthly
- $11,914
- Hourly
- $68
- Range
- $96,788–$200,003
- 10-yr outlook
- +5%
Technology
Systems Administrator$118,877/yr
- Monthly
- $9,906
- Hourly
- $58
- Range
- $82,464–$163,322
- 10-yr outlook
- +4%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Network Engineer | Systems Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $96,788 | $82,464 |
| 25th | $120,082 | $100,671 |
| Median | $143,242 | $118,877 |
| 75th | $171,622 | $141,100 |
| Senior (90th) | $200,003 | $163,322 |
National United Kingdom figures in GBP. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a network engineer or systems administrator earn more in United Kingdom?
- A network engineer earns more, at about £107,000 per year vs £88,800 for a systems administrator — roughly 20% (£18,200) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United Kingdom?
- A network engineer typically earns £72,300–£149,400, while a systems administrator earns £61,600–£122,000 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United Kingdom?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a network engineer averages about £8,900 and a systems administrator about £7,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United Kingdom, a network engineer earns about £72,300 while a systems administrator earns about £61,600 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United Kingdom, a network engineer earns about £149,400 while a systems administrator earns about £122,000 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.