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The differences between cisco network engineers and network security engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a cisco network engineer and a network security engineer. Additionally, a cisco network engineer has an average salary of $98,143, which is higher than the $88,322 average annual salary of a network security engineer.
The top three skills for a cisco network engineer include switches, firewall and CCNA. The most important skills for a network security engineer are network security, windows, and cisco asa.
| Cisco Network Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $98,143 | $88,322 |
| Hourly rate | $47.18 | $42.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 34,408 | 91,892 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A Cisco network engineer specializes in designing and developing networks using the Cisco systems. Their responsibilities include meeting with clients to identify their needs and preferences, installing and configuring networks, establishing security protocols, facilitating upgrades, creating test structures for speed and security, and performing software and hardware assessments. They may also conduct maintenance checks and repair networks, providing technical support to staff as needed. Moreover, a Cisco network engineer must oversee and encourage staff to reach goals, all while enforcing the company's policies and regulations.
A network security engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all the organization's network systems, conducting regular configuration and maintenance to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities that may pose risks for the company's integrity. Network security engineers manage security threats and strategize resolutions to mitigate the reoccurrence of security issues. They also develop security enhancement recommendations, update network infrastructure, and monitor system activities. A network security engineer should have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes.
Cisco network engineers and network security engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cisco Network Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Average salary | $98,143 | $88,322 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $131,000 | Between $64,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Cisco | The Knot |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between a cisco network engineer and a network security engineer in terms of educational background:
| Cisco Network Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between cisco network engineers' and network security engineers' demographics:
| Cisco Network Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.7% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 13.9% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |