What are the top career opportunities after CCNA/CCNP in 2025, and how much do they pay?

If you've earned your CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certification in 2025, you're already ahead of the game. As cybersecurity, cloud computing, and networking continue to evolve, CCNA/CCNP-certified individuals are in high demand globally. But what exactly can you do with these certifications?

This blog will help you explore job roles, salary insights, and real-world paths you can take after becoming CCNA or CCNP certified in 2025.

Why Are CCNA and CCNP Still Relevant in 2025?

Cisco remains one of the leading networking technology providers. Their certifications are trusted globally by employers, especially in roles that involve enterprise networking, routing, switching, security, and cloud infrastructure. With the rise of hybrid networks, zero trust, and 5G, Cisco-certified professionals continue to play a key role in modern IT operations.

How Is the CCNA Certification Helpful for Freshers?

The CCNA is the entry-level Cisco certification that validates your knowledge of:

• IP addressing and subnetting

• Routing and switching fundamentals

• Network security basics

• Troubleshooting and configuration

  
  

• Basic automation and programmability

It's perfect for:

• College graduates

• Career switchers

• Junior IT professionals

Tip: In 2025, employers are also valuing soft skills like troubleshooting mindset, logical thinking, and collaboration along with technical CCNA knowledge.

What Roles Can You Get After CCNA in 2025?

1. Network Support Engineer

Salary (India): ₹3.5 – ₹6 LPA
Salary (US): $50,000 – $70,000/year

You’ll monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot network devices and services. This is often the first step into a networking career.

2. Technical Support Engineer

Salary (India): ₹3 – ₹5.5 LPA
Salary (US): $48,000 – $65,000/year

Great for freshers, this role involves assisting customers with network issues and hardware setup.

3. Junior Network Administrator

Salary (India): ₹4 – ₹6.5 LPA
Salary (US): $55,000 – $75,000/year

A hands-on role maintaining LANs/WANs, firewalls, and security policies.

What Is CCNP and Why Should You Upgrade?

Once you gain some experience (1–3 years), CCNP becomes the next logical step. The CCNP Enterprise, Security, and Data Center tracks open doors to more advanced roles and higher salaries.

CCNP covers:

• Advanced routing (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP)

• Policy-based routing and redistribution

• VPNs, SD-WAN, wireless networking

• Network security, firewalls, and ACLs

Job Roles After CCNP in 2025

1. Network Engineer

Salary (India): ₹6 – ₹12 LPA
Salary (US): $70,000 – $95,000/year

Designing, configuring, and securing complex enterprise networks.

2. Network Security Analyst

Salary (India): ₹7 – ₹14 LPA
Salary (US): $85,000 – $120,000/year

You’ll work in Security Operations Centers (SOC), detect threats, and apply firewall rules.

3. Cloud Network Engineer (with CCNP + Cloud Skills)

Salary (India): ₹8 – ₹15 LPA
Salary (US): $90,000 – $130,000/year

Work with hybrid environments like AWS + Cisco ACI, managing VPNs, VPC peering, and secure access.

4. SD-WAN Engineer

Salary (India): ₹9 – ₹16 LPA
Salary (US): $95,000 – $135,000/year

Implement Cisco SD-WAN fabric for enterprises managing remote sites and branches.

Career Path Table: After CCNA and CCNP in 2025

Is CCNA/CCNP Worth It in 2025?

Yes — especially when combined with additional skills:

• Python or Ansible for network automation

• AWS/GCP/Azure for cloud networking

• Wireshark and Nmap for network troubleshooting

• Firewalls (Cisco ASA, Palo Alto) for security-focused roles

Conclusion: Your Next Steps After CCNA or CCNP

In 2025, networking roles are more dynamic and multi-skilled than ever before. Cisco certifications like CCNA and CCNP continue to offer high-value, practical learning and career advancement. Whether you’re starting fresh or planning your upgrade to specialist roles, investing in Cisco credentials is a smart choice.

 Combine your certification with hands-on labs, cloud training, and scripting knowledge to stay ahead.

FAQs 

What are the job opportunities after CCNA in 2025?

You can pursue roles like Network Support Engineer, Help Desk Technician, Junior Network Engineer, and Technical Support Associate.

What is the average salary after CCNA in India in 2025?

The average salary ranges from ₹3.5 LPA to ₹6 LPA depending on location and experience.

Can I get a job abroad after CCNP?

Yes, CCNP is globally recognized, and professionals often secure roles in the USA, UK, Canada, and the Middle East.

What is the best job after CCNP certification?

Senior Network Engineer, Security Analyst, and Network Consultant are top roles.

Is CCNA enough to get a job in cybersecurity?

CCNA is a good starting point. For cybersecurity roles, consider CCNA Security or move toward CyberOps Associate.

What companies hire CCNA-certified candidates?

TCS, Wipro, Cisco, Accenture, Infosys, and many ISPs actively hire CCNA holders.

Do I need a degree after CCNA to get a job?

A degree helps but is not mandatory. Practical skills and certification hold more weight in many cases.

What is the salary of a Network Engineer with CCNP?

In India, the salary ranges from ₹6 LPA to ₹12 LPA based on role and location.

Can I work in cloud networking after CCNP?

Yes, CCNP Enterprise or CCNP with cloud specialization opens cloud networking roles in AWS, Azure, and GCP environments.

Which countries are best for CCNA professionals?

USA, Canada, UAE, Germany, and Australia are known for good networking opportunities and salaries.

How can I move to a Security role after CCNA?

Pursue Cisco’s CyberOps or start learning about firewalls, SIEM, and take certifications like CEH or CompTIA Security+.

What are the most common tools I need to learn after CCNA?

Wireshark, GNS3, Packet Tracer, Cisco Packet Capture, and basic Linux commands.

What is the difference in job roles between CCNA and CCNP holders?

CCNA holders typically start in support roles, while CCNP holders handle advanced configurations, troubleshooting, and design tasks.

Can CCNP lead to a job in network automation?

Yes, CCNP with DevNet or Python scripting skills opens doors in network automation and SDN.

How do I become a Network Security Engineer after CCNP?

Take specialized training in firewalls, intrusion detection, and get certified in security tracks like Cisco Security or Fortinet.

What is the demand for CCNA professionals in 2025?

Very high. Most companies now require foundational networking knowledge due to growing hybrid infrastructure.

How do I gain experience after CCNA?

Internships, labs, virtual labs, freelance projects, or setting up home labs help build hands-on experience.

What is the career path after CCNP?

You can move to CCIE, specialize in security, wireless, or go toward cloud networking and solutions architecture.

Are remote jobs available after CCNA/CCNP?

Yes, many companies offer remote roles for network monitoring, cloud networking, and L1/L2 support.

Do freshers get hired with CCNA?

Yes, many support and entry-level networking roles hire freshers with CCNA.

Which job has the highest salary after CCNP?

Solutions Architect or Network Consultant roles with enterprise-grade responsibilities pay the highest.

What is the future scope of Cisco certifications?

Cisco remains the industry standard in networking, with growing relevance in security, automation, and cloud sectors.

Can I go into DevOps after CCNA/CCNP?

Yes, networking knowledge is valuable in DevOps. Add skills in CI/CD, Docker, and Python.

What job can I get with CCNA and cloud certification?

Cloud Network Engineer or Infrastructure Engineer roles in hybrid setups are ideal.

Which is better after CCNA: Cybersecurity or Cloud?

Depends on your interest. Cybersecurity focuses on protection, while cloud focuses on scalability and infrastructure.

Can I become a freelancer with CCNA?

Yes, you can take freelance network setup, firewall configuration, or remote support gigs.

What are the challenges after CCNP?

Keeping up with evolving tech like SD-WAN, network automation, and security integrations.

How long does it take to get a job after CCNA?

With good preparation and interview skills, you can get a job within 3–6 months.

Is CCNP worth it in 2025?

Absolutely. It adds advanced skills, improves job scope, and opens higher salary brackets.

What soft skills are required for networking jobs?

Communication, analytical thinking, teamwork, and documentation skills are crucial.