Network Administrator Salary in California
Based on 26K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$106,440
$51.17/hr
vs National Average
$93,687
+13.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$72K – $167K
26K employed in California
Network Administrator salary in California averages $136,688 per year, positioning the state significantly above the national average at 20% higher. This median reflects compensation for experienced professionals managing network infrastructure across California's diverse technology sector. Our data represents 24 workers currently employed in this role across the state.
Several factors influence Network Administrator salary in California, including experience level, employer size, and industry specialization. Geographic location within the state, proximity to major tech hubs, and specific certifications can also impact earning potential. Cost of living adjustments and regional demand for IT infrastructure expertise further shape compensation packages in this competitive market.
Salary Distribution — Network Administrator in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,400 |
| 25th percentile | $88,680 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $106,440 |
| 75th percentile | $134,190 |
| 90th percentile | $166,730 |
Top H-1B Employers for Network Administrator in California
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in California — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED | 12 | $106,278 |
| 2 | Cisco Systems, Inc. | 11 | $127,800 |
| 3 | Palo Alto Networks, Inc. | 9 | $129,271 |
| 4 | Tata Consultancy Services Limited | 8 | $107,578 |
| 5 | Google LLC | 6 | $171,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Network Administrator H-1B Salary by Wage Level in California
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in California.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $83,220 | 23 |
| Level II | Qualified | $107,578 | 104 |
| Level III | Experienced | $133,353 | 38 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $165,000 | 77 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Network Administrator (U.S.)
Which industries pay Network Administrators the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Network Administrators in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $108,200 | 2K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $107,850 | 770 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $103,810 | 23K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $102,990 | 82K |
| Information | $101,310 | 24K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Network Administrator in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $104,670 |
| 2023 | $106,450 |
| 2024 | $106,620 |
| 2025 | $106,440 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,440 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $104,670 | $87,228 |
| 2023 | $106,450 | $89,739 |
| 2024 | $106,620 | $91,050 |
| 2025 | $106,440 | $93,687 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,440 | $93,687 |
Network Administrator Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $88,680 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $106,440 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $134,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $166,730 |
Network Administrator Salary in Other States
Related Network Administrator Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Network Administrator ($106,440 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Network Administrator | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in CA | $218,290 | +105.1% | $104.95/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in CA | $185,180 | +74.0% | $89.03/hr |
| Data Analyst in CA | $180,500 | +69.6% | $86.78/hr |
| Software Developer in CA | $174,410 | +63.9% | $83.85/hr |
| Database Administrator in CA | $170,160 | +59.9% | $81.81/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in CA | $159,100 | +49.5% | $76.49/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in CA | $158,870 | +49.3% | $76.38/hr |
| Data Scientist in CA | $141,590 | +33.0% | $68.07/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in CA | $138,570 | +30.2% | $66.62/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in CA | $136,110 | +27.9% | $65.44/hr |
| Statistician in CA | $135,960 | +27.7% | $65.37/hr |
| Software Engineer in CA | $134,440 | +26.3% | $64.63/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do network administrators make in California?
- Network administrators in California earn a median salary of $136,688 per year, or approximately $66 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 19.6% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for network administrators in California?
- The maximum salary for network administrators in California reaches $152,370 per year. This represents the upper end of the compensation range for the position in the state.
Is being a network administrator in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, network administrators in California earn 19.6% more than the national average. With a median salary of $136,688 annually, California offers significantly higher compensation for this role compared to other states.
How many network administrators are employed in California?
- There are approximately 24 network administrators employed in California according to current data. This represents a relatively specialized workforce in the state for this particular role.