Understanding the Network Engineer Salary in the UK

If you're considering a career as a network engineer or looking to benchmark your current pay, knowing the latest salary data is essential. The most authoritative source for UK earnings is the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). The provisional 2025 data for IT network professionals gives a clear picture of both hourly and annual pay across the country.

Median and Mean Pay for Network Engineers

According to ONS ASHE, the median gross annual salary for network engineers is £48,294. The mean (average) is slightly higher at £52,576, indicating that higher earners pull the average up. The median hourly rate (excluding overtime) is £24.08. For full-time employees only, the median annual figure is £48,907.

To put this in context, the UK median full-time annual salary across all occupations was £39,039 in April 2025. Network engineers earn well above that – roughly 24% more at the median. The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over was £12.21 per hour in April 2025, meaning a network engineer on the median hourly rate earns almost double that.

Seniority and Pay Percentiles

Pay varies considerably by experience and seniority. The ONS data provides percentiles that show the distribution:

• 10th percentile (entry-level or junior roles): £32,961 annual / £17.18 per hour
• 25th percentile (lower quartile): £39,410 annual / £20.26 per hour
• Median (50th percentile): £48,294 annual / £24.08 per hour
• 75th percentile (upper quartile): £65,107 annual / £32.06 per hour
• 90th percentile: approximately £69,172 annual (hourly £33.96)

These figures show that experienced senior network engineers can earn significantly more, especially in London or with specialist skills.

Regional Differences in Network Engineer Salary

Location plays a major role in pay. ONS ASHE provides median annual salaries by region for IT network professionals:

Region	Median Annual Salary
London	£55,408
East of England	£52,712
East Midlands	£49,974
West Midlands	£46,850
South East	£44,205
North West	£42,505
Scotland	£39,029
Yorkshire and The Humber	data suppressed
South West	data suppressed

London offers the highest median, reflecting both higher living costs and concentration of tech employers. Scotland and the North West are notably lower. Some regions have suppressed data due to small sample sizes, so treat these figures as indicative.

Hourly to Annual Conversion

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, a standard approach is to multiply by contracted weekly hours and then by 52 weeks. Most full-time roles are based on 37.5 or 40 hours per week. For example:

• £24.08/hr × 37.5 hrs/week × 52 weeks = £46,956 (close to the ONS median)
• £24.08/hr × 40 hrs/week × 52 weeks = £50,086

Remember that this assumes a steady weekly schedule with no unpaid overtime. Actual annual earnings may differ if you work variable hours or receive bonuses. Use our Hourly to Salary calculator for quick conversions.

Comparison with NHS Pay Scales

For context, the NHS pay scales for 2026/27 (effective from April 2026) show that a Band 5 entry-level nurse or allied health professional earns £38,488 annual (£19.68/hr). Band 6 starts at £20.44/hr. Network engineers at the median earn significantly more than these public sector roles, though senior NHS roles (Band 7 and above) can exceed £50,000.

What This Means for Job Seekers

If you're negotiating a network engineer salary, use the ONS data as a benchmark. Entry-level roles may start around £33,000, while experienced engineers can command £65,000 or more. London weighting can add £5,000–£10,000 to the base. Always consider the total package, including pension, overtime rates, and training opportunities.

For more detailed pay data across occupations, visit our salary data page. You can also explore salary articles for guidance on negotiating pay and understanding UK wage trends.

Caveats and Data Quality

ONS ASHE figures are based on a 1% sample of PAYE jobs and are provisional for 2025. They exclude self-employed contractors, who may earn differently. Hourly rates exclude overtime, and annual figures are for employees in the same job for at least a year. Regional estimates with small samples may be unreliable. Always check your specific contract and official GOV.UK guidance for tax and National Insurance.

In summary, the network engineer salary in the UK is strong, with clear progression from junior to senior roles and notable regional variation. Use the data above to inform your career decisions and salary negotiations.