Reaching the Top
Even though the CCIE salary is the highest among all certified network professionals, few people make it to this level because they are nervous about investing their time and money into obtaining it. The CCIE, Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, certifies that the holder has the skills necessary of network engineers to plan, operate, and troubleshoot the infrastructures of Cisco equipment. It is often labeled as the most difficult of all IT certifications as it requires a very specific set of skills and a vast amount of time to get to such a high level. According to Cisco, less than 3% of all certified Cisco engineers ever obtain the CCIE certification. While it is difficult to obtain, the CCIE salary and benefits match the extreme need for these rare individuals.
Most students spend about 18 months training and preparing for the difficult exam. This can take more or less time depending on the individual’s other obligations at the time, but it is generally more time consuming than other Cisco certifications. Also, students must invest a greater amount of their own money into this education. While CCNA and CCNP tests are offered all around the country, the rarity of the CCIE certification means that it is only offered at specific times in specific cities. Students must foot the bill themselves for travel and lodging, and then pay the fees necessary to take the written and lab exams.
Unfortunately, these factors scare many capable network professionals away from ever pursuing their CCIE certifications. However, the CCIE salary will more than make up for the money and hours spent earning it. The average CCIE salary is above $100,000 in nearly every position in the country.
CCIE Salary – High paying Companies
Certain companies extend themselves further to offer a higher salary and benefit package to get one of these coveted CCIE professionals working with them. For example, AT&T offers the highest pay for CCIE certified networkers at this time. Their average salary is nearly $150,000. Cisco also hires CCIE certified professionals at about $145,000. Without this certification, these employees would be making tens of thousands of dollars less per year.
As with all other Cisco certifications, the CCIE salary is often higher in large cities. In New York City, the average salary is nearly $150,000 no matter which company the individual is working for. Washington, D.C. is another city that offers great opportunity for CCIE networkers with an average salary of $153,000. Other big cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles, while slightly lower, still offer $140,000. Even those who choose not to move to a big city to further their career can still earn six figures in their small town home.
CCIE Salary – Going Abroad
What is unique about the CCIE certification in comparison to other Cisco certifications is that it can be taken abroad much more easily. For those who are more than willing to relocate, extremely high paying jobs can be found in Tokyo, Beijing, and other leading cities across the world. This option is clearly not for everyone, but for those who may not be tied down with other commitments; it could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
With only a few thousand certified in the world, becoming one of those few will have people knocking down your door to offer you the job of a lifetime. The CCIE salary may be difficult to obtain, but once you are there, you can rest assured knowing that you have a stable career and income until you choose to retire.