What jobs can you get with a CCNA?

With a CCNA certification, you can get entry-level to advanced IT jobs like Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Systems Administrator, Network Technician, and roles in IT Support (Help Desk, NOC), specializing in areas like security, cloud, or data centers as you gain experience. These roles focus on designing, building, maintaining, and troubleshooting network infrastructure, from basic connectivity to complex systems.

Is CCNA still worth in 2025?

Yes, the CCNA is still worth it in 2025 as it provides crucial foundational networking skills, validates expertise for employers, and remains highly requested in the job market, with updated exams covering modern topics like automation, though combining it with Linux, security, or cloud skills offers the best career progression. It opens doors to entry-level roles and serves as a strong base for advanced certifications (like CCNP), with strong ROI despite the initial investment. 

What does CCNA allow you to do?

Your career in networking begins with CCNA

Take your IT career in any direction by earning a CCNA. CCNA validates a broad range of fundamentals for all IT careers - from networking technologies, to security, to software development - proving you have the skills businesses need to meet market demands.

What is the average CCNA job salary?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $135,000 and as low as $30,500, the majority of Ccna salaries currently range between $60,000 (25th percentile) to $103,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $123,500 annually across the United States.

Is CCNA in high demand?

The need for skilled network engineers and cybersecurity specialists remains strong, and the CCNA is a sought-after credential in the eyes of employers, especially those that use Cisco equipment.

All the Way Up: 6 Jobs You Can Get with a CCNA

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

Yes, earning $200,000 a year in cybersecurity is absolutely achievable, especially in senior, specialized, or high-demand roles like CISO, Security Architect, Lead Security Engineer, Cloud Security Engineer, Sales Engineer, or penetration testers in large companies or high-cost-of-living areas, often requiring significant experience, advanced skills (coding, cloud, leadership), and sometimes certifications, with top earners exceeding this significantly. 

Can I complete CCNA in 3 months?

Yes, you can complete your CCNA studies in 3 months with a focused and structured study plan. Dedicate consistent daily hours to cover all exam topics and engage in hands-on practice.

What jobs can I get with just a CCNA?

Top Jobs You Can Get with a CCNA Certification

• Network Support Technician. ...
• Network Administrator. ...
• Systems Administrator. ...
• Network Engineer (Entry-Level) ...
• Cybersecurity Analyst. ...
• Cloud Support Associate.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Engineers earning $300k/year are typically in senior, specialized, or leadership roles, especially in Software/Tech (AI, DevOps, Embedded Systems, MLOps), Hardware, and niche fields like Autonomous Driving or Defense, often at top companies or high-growth startups, combining base pay with significant bonuses and equity, and requiring strong system design/algorithm skills. Roles like VP of Engineering, Tech Fellow, or Director level are also common paths to this income bracket. 

What is the fail rate for CCNA?

The exam is challenging, and according to Certstaffix, 95 percent of test takers fail on their first attempt. However, that shouldn't put you off because the overall pass rate is still around 85 percent, according to different sources.

Can I get a CCNA job with no experience?

It is possible to get an entry-level job as a no experience CCNA.

Is CCNA or CCNP higher?

CCNA is an associate-level certification that evaluates a professional's understanding of switching and routing fundamentals. In contrast, CCNP is an advanced certification that demands a more in-depth knowledge of WANs, LANs, and their integration.

Is CCNA equivalent to a degree?

They signal to recruiters that you have relevant knowledge and give you an advantage over candidates without a cert or degree. So, if they both provide similar benefits, is the CCNA equivalent to a degree? Not exactly. There are some scenarios where a CCNA won't act as a good substitute for a traditional degree.

What is the hardest Cisco exam?

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is widely regarded as Cisco's most challenging certification. Earning the CCIE requires passing both a rigorous written exam and an extensive eight-hour, hands-on lab exam.

Is CCNA harder than CompTIA?

Yes, CCNA is considerably harder than CompTIA A+. While A+ focuses on basic computer hardware and troubleshooting, CCNA delves into complex networking concepts and specific Cisco configurations. The jump from A+ to CCNA is significant, which is why many people use Network+ as an intermediate step.

Can I get a job after doing CCNA?

Benefits can include: Higher Salary: By proving you have the skills required for your role, you can command a higher wage than uncertified counterparts. More Career Opportunities: Having a CCNA may help you get hired in better job roles or help you earn a promotion in your current role.

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

The most prominent "$400,000 job without a college degree" discussed in recent news is a Walmart Supercenter Store Manager, where compensation can reach that level through a combination of increased base pay (around $128k average), significant bonuses (up to 200% of base), and annual stock grants (up to $20k) for top performers, making the role lucrative for those rising from hourly work. Other paths to high income without a degree include skilled trades, tech sales, and specialized roles like power plant operators, often achieved through skills-based training, certificates, or apprenticeships rather than a traditional four-year degree.
 

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Engineers making $500k/year are typically highly specialized, experienced professionals, most commonly in Software Engineering, especially in AI, distributed systems, or finance/trading, working at top tech firms or successful startups where total compensation (base + significant stock/bonus) reaches this level. Other potential fields include Electrical Engineering in specialized areas like power/utilities or high-level Project Management roles. 

What tech jobs pay $400,000 a year?

Tech jobs paying $400k+ usually involve senior, specialized roles in high-demand fields like AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Cloud, and Data Science, often at large companies (like Netflix, OpenAI) or in leadership positions (Director, Principal Engineer, CTO), with compensation frequently including substantial stock options alongside high base salaries. Roles include Staff/Principal Engineers, Solutions Architects, Data Scientists, Security Engineers, and Engineering Managers, requiring deep expertise, leadership, and strategic impact. 

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

You can earn $3,000 a month without a degree in skilled trades (electrician, HVAC, mechanic), healthcare support (dental/medical assistant, LPN), tech (IT support, coding bootcamps), sales (real estate, automotive, tech), transportation (trucking, delivery), and specialized roles like security, customer service, or administrative assistant, often through training, certifications, or on-the-job experience, with many remote options available. 

What are typical CCNA job duties?

While specifics of the job vary, the responsibilities of a CCNA may involve evaluating network performance, defining policies and procedures, and improving network security. CCNAs often select and test equipment before other employees at a company are allowed to interact with it.

Is IT hard to get a job at Cisco?

Yes, getting a job at Cisco can be challenging due to a rigorous, multi-stage interview process that heavily weighs technical skills (like networking fundamentals, coding for engineering roles) and crucial soft skills (personality, culture fit, problem-solving) alongside relevant experience and certifications, requiring thorough preparation and a strong resume tailored to the specific role to stand out. 

How many hours a day should I study for CCNA?

CBT Nuggets coaches say you should be CCNA ready in about 26 weeks by studying 30 to 60 minutes per day. Pair the 200-301 CCNA training videos with the free CBT Nuggets CCNA 200-301 study plan so you can stay on-track ahead of test day.

Is CCNA higher than Security+?

Neither CCNA nor Security+ is universally "better"; they serve different paths: Security+ is vendor-neutral, focusing broadly on core cybersecurity concepts (threats, compliance, access control), ideal for general security roles, especially in government/DoD. CCNA is Cisco-focused and deeper, covering networking fundamentals (routing, switching, configuration) with integrated security, best for networking roles, often leading to higher-paying, specialized network security jobs. Choose Security+ for a broad security entry, or CCNA for deep networking with security, depending on your career goals. 

Does CCNA certification expire?

How Long is the CCNA Certificate Valid? Your certification is valid for three years after your date of issue. To recertify before your certificate's expiration date, you must satisfy several recertification criteria. You don't have to do anything to keep your CCNA certification active.