Education and certification are the primary qualifications for a principal network engineer. You need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field. You must continue your education throughout your career to stay up to date on the latest in information technology. There are a variety of certification programs available; pursuing and renewing these certifications validates both your experience and skills. Most employers look for Microsoft or Cisco certificates.

If you are interested in a job related to Principal Network Engineer, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Principal Network Engineer Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Principal Network Engineer positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Azure Network Engineer
Salary range: $89,000 - $133,500
Azure Network Engineer is a typical job search query Most salaries for Azure Network Engineer jobs pay between $89,000 (25th percentile) and $133,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Azure Network Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Ddi Network Engineer
Salary range: $89,000 - $133,500
Ddi Network Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Ddi Network Engineer jobs pay between $89,000 (25th percentile) and $133,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Ddi Network Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Freelance Ansible Network Automation
Salary range: $86,500 - $123,500
Freelance Ansible Network Automation is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Freelance Ansible Network Automation jobs pay between $86,500 (25th percentile) and $123,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Freelance Ansible Network Automation job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Otn
Salary range: $85,500 - $155,000
Otn is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Otn jobs pay between $85,500 (25th percentile) and $155,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Otn job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Cisco Devnet
Salary range: $92,500 - $115,500
Cisco Devnet is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Cisco Devnet jobs pay between $92,500 (25th percentile) and $115,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Cisco Devnet job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Ansible Network Automation
Salary range: $89,000 - $133,500
Ansible Network Automation is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Ansible Network Automation jobs pay between $89,000 (25th percentile) and $133,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Ansible Network Automation job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Megaport
Salary range: $31,500 - $64,000
Megaport is a common job search query. Most salaries for Megaport jobs pay between $31,500 (25th percentile) and $64,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Megaport job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Sase Engineer
Salary range: $84,000 - $116,500
Sase Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Sase Engineer jobs pay between $84,000 (25th percentile) and $116,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Sase Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Remote Cisco Network Engineer
Salary range: $91,500 - $127,500
The job duties of a remote Cisco network engineer focus on the design, configuration, maintenance, and security of computer networks from Cisco. Your responsibilities include customizing and maintaining software on the network as well. In this virtual job, you work from home to monitor the computer system, make upgrades, and perform maintenance. Employers may expect a Cisco network engineer to be available on call to troubleshoot and fix problems outside of regular business hours. You must assess the needs of your employer or client and addresses those needs when configuring the network or deploying applications.
It Network Engineer
Salary range: $74,000 - $106,000
It Network Engineer is a popular job search query. Most salaries for It Network Engineer jobs pay between $74,000 (25th percentile) and $106,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for It Network Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Principal Network Engineer Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Principal Network Engineer Jobs in 2026