Civil Engineers vs Network and Computer Systems Administrators: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Civil Engineers professionals earn $2,790 more per year than Network and Computer Systems Administrators professionals — that's 2.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Civil Engineers earns $160,990 compared to $150,320 for Network and Computer Systems Administrators.
Salary Range Comparison
Civil Engineers$65,920 – $160,990
Network and Computer Systems Administrators$60,320 – $150,320
$60,320$160,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Civil Engineers | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,920 | $60,320 | +$5,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,790 | $75,860 | +$2,930 |
| Median (50th) | $99,590 | $96,800 | +$2,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,290 | $123,390 | +$4,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $160,990 | $150,320 | +$10,670 |
| Mean (Average) | $107,050 | $101,190 | +$5,860 |
Employment Numbers
Civil Engineers
355,410
employed nationwide
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
318,570
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $130,310 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $129,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $126,560 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $109,250 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $108,010 |
Best Cities for Network and Computer Systems Administrators
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $128,620 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $127,030 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $124,050 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $119,150 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $113,030 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Civil Engineers or Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Civil Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $2,790 (2.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers?
Civil Engineers salaries range from $65,920 (10th percentile) to $160,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $99,590.
What is the salary range for Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators salaries range from $60,320 (10th percentile) to $150,320 (90th percentile), with a median of $96,800.
How many Civil Engineers and Network and Computer Systems Administrators jobs are there?
There are approximately 355,410 Civil Engineers positions and 318,570 Network and Computer Systems Administrators positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Network and Computer Systems Administrators to Civil Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Civil Engineers has a median salary of $99,590 while Network and Computer Systems Administrators earns $96,800. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS