Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification

Jobs and Average Annual Salary

April 30, 2023
(updated June 29, 2023)

Are you interested in a career in networking? Are you already CCNA certified? Great! This article will provide you the information that you need to evaluate entry-level networking job options. If you're not yet CCNA certified, read the article "CCNA Certification: Your Ticket to a Career in Networking". It will help you to get started on the path to certification.

Now, before delving into the job paths and average salaries, let's review the topics covered by CCNA certification and the benefits of being CCNA certified.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification

The CCNA certification validates your knowledge and skills in networking. The certification covers a broad range of networking topics. The topics covered are:

• network fundamentals
• network access
• IP connectivity
• IP services
• security fundamentals
• automation and programmability

Benefits of CCNA Certification

There are many benefits of obtaining Cisco CCNA certification including the following:

• Career Advancement: CCNA certification can help you advance your career in the networking field. It demonstrates to employers that you have a solid understanding of networking fundamentals and are committed to continuing your education and professional development. It validates the knowledge and skills required to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized networks which makes it a valuable credential for network engineers, administrators, and technicians. Having CCNA certification on your resume can make you a more competitive candidate for job openings and potentially lead to higher salaries.


• Improved Job Performance: The knowledge and skills you gain through CCNA certification can help you improve your job performance. Whether you work as a network engineer, network administrator, or another networking-related role, you'll have a better understanding of how computer networks work and be better equipped to troubleshoot and solve problems.


• Increased Credibility: As previously stated, CCNA certification is widely recognized in the networking industry as a reputable and valuable credential. Having CCNA certification on your resume can increase your credibility and make you more appealing to potential employers, clients, or partners.


• Access to Networking Community: Obtaining CCNA certification can give you access to a network of other networking professionals who hold the same certification. This community can provide valuable support, advice, and networking opportunities that can help you advance your career.


• Opportunity to Pursue Specializations: CCNA certification is a foundation-level certification. It can also serve as a gateway to pursuing more specialized certifications like CCNP or CCIE. CCNA certification will give you a solid foundation to build upon as you pursue additional certifications and specializations.

Jobs and Salary

CCNA certification can lead to a variety of job opportunities in the networking field. Here are some examples:

• Network Engineer:
  Network Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer networks for organizations. They work with a variety of networking technologies, such as LANs, WANs, VPNs, and firewalls. CCNA certification is a prerequisite for many Network Engineer roles.
  • Salary: The average salary for a Network Engineer in the US is around $80,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.


• Network Administrator:
  Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks for organizations. They are responsible for ensuring that the network runs smoothly and securely, and they troubleshoot any issues that arise. CCNA certification is often a requirement for Network Administrator roles.
  • Salary: The average salary for a Network Administrator in the US is around $65,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.


• Help Desk Technician:
  Help Desk Technicians provide technical support to end-users who have computer-related issues. They troubleshoot problems and provide solutions, often remotely. CCNA certification can be an advantage for Help Desk Technicians, as they will have a solid understanding of networking fundamentals.
  • Salary: The average salary for a Help Desk Technician in the US is around $40,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.


• Network Security Specialist:
  Network Security Specialists are responsible for protecting computer networks from security threats, such as hacking and malware. They implement security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs. CCNA certification is a prerequisite for many Network Security Specialist roles.
  • Salary: The average salary for a Network Security Specialist in the US is around $90,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.


• IT Consultant:
  IT Consultants provide expert advice to organizations on how to improve their IT infrastructure. They assess the organization's needs and recommend solutions that will improve efficiency and productivity. CCNA certification is often required for IT Consultant roles.
  • Salary: The average salary for an IT Consultant in the US is around $85,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.

These are just a few examples of the job opportunities that CCNA certification can lead to. With CCNA certification, you'll have the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a rewarding career in the networking field. It's important to note that salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, years of experience, and company size. These figures are just a general guideline, and your actual salary may vary depending on your individual circumstances. However, CCNA certification can certainly help you pursue a rewarding career in the networking field with the potential for competitive compensation.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is the CCNA certification?

A: The CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification is an entry-level certification offered by Cisco Systems. It validates the knowledge and skills required to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot small to medium-sized networks.

Q: What are the job prospects after obtaining a CCNA certification?

A: The CCNA certification opens up various job opportunities in the field of networking. Some common job roles include network administrator, network engineer, systems administrator, and technical support engineer.

Q: How much can I expect to earn with a CCNA certification?

A: The average annual salary for professionals holding a CCNA certification varies depending on factors such as experience, job role, and geographic location. However, according to industry data, CCNA-certified professionals can expect to earn an average salary ranging from $50,000 to $90,000.

Q: Are there any prerequisites for the CCNA certification?

A: No formal prerequisites are required to take the CCNA exam. However, it is recommended to have a basic understanding of networking concepts and some experience with Cisco networking devices.

Q: How can I prepare for the CCNA certification exam?

A: Cisco provides official training courses and resources to help you prepare for the CCNA exam. You can also find study materials such as books, practice tests, and online tutorials from various sources to supplement your preparation.

Q: Is the CCNA certification valid forever, or does it expire?

A: Cisco certifications, including the CCNA, are valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you need to recertify by either passing the current CCNA exam or by earning a higher-level Cisco certification before your certification expiration date.

Q: Can I take the CCNA exam online, or is it only available at test centers?

A: Cisco offers online proctored exams, allowing you to take the CCNA exam from the comfort of your own home or office. However, you can also choose to take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center if that option suits you better.

Q: What is the difference between the CCNA and CCNP certifications?

A: The CCNA certification is an entry-level certification that focuses on foundational networking knowledge and skills. On the other hand, the CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certification is an advanced-level certification that delves deeper into specific networking domains and technologies.

Q: Can the CCNA certification help me in my career advancement?

A: Yes, the CCNA certification can significantly boost your career prospects. It demonstrates your competence in networking fundamentals and makes you eligible for higher-level certifications. It also enhances your credibility and opens up opportunities for career growth and increased earning potential.

Q: Can I pursue a CCNA certification without any prior networking experience?

A: Yes, the CCNA certification is designed to provide a foundation for individuals with limited networking experience. It covers essential networking concepts and can be a starting point for a career in networking.

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