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Cisco network engineer vs network support analyst

The differences between cisco network engineers and network support analysts 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 support analyst. Additionally, a cisco network engineer has an average salary of $98,143, which is higher than the $83,921 average annual salary of a network support analyst.

The top three skills for a cisco network engineer include switches, firewall and CCNA. The most important skills for a network support analyst are troubleshoot, switches, and routers.

Cisco network engineer vs network support analyst overview

Cisco Network EngineerNetwork Support Analyst
Yearly salary$98,143$83,921
Hourly rate$47.18$40.35
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs34,408118,825
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a cisco network engineer do?

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.

What does a network support analyst do?

Network support analysts are professionals who provide technical support as well as maintain various network components for an organization's network system. These analysts are responsible for installing and configuring local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), internet systems, and other components of network systems. They are required to monitor the performance of networks and systems and align network use and access by using master consoles. Network support analysts must also organize and deploy security measures for the network so that they can safeguard software, hardware, and data.

Cisco network engineer vs network support analyst salary

Cisco network engineers and network support analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cisco Network EngineerNetwork Support Analyst
Average salary$98,143$83,921
Salary rangeBetween $73,000 And $131,000Between $54,000 And $128,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyCiscoMeta
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between cisco network engineer and network support analyst education

There are a few differences between a cisco network engineer and a network support analyst in terms of educational background:

Cisco Network EngineerNetwork Support Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeStanford UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Cisco network engineer vs network support analyst demographics

Here are the differences between cisco network engineers' and network support analysts' demographics:

Cisco Network EngineerNetwork Support Analyst
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 91.9% Female, 8.1%Male, 84.3% Female, 15.7%
Race ratioBlack 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, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 10.9% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between cisco network engineer and network support analyst duties and responsibilities

Cisco network engineer example responsibilities.

  • Install, configure, design, troubleshoot, manage & maintain hardware & software that comprise the LAN/WAN infrastructure.
  • Manage, operate and analyze results from Sourcefire detection systems.
  • Support service provider DHCP & DNS products.
  • Used Cisco IOS for troubleshooting sites for up and down time.
  • Upgrade the remote access (VPN) and firewall environment for the entire organization.
  • Configure routing protocol: EIGRP OSPF and redundant protocols like HSRP and some GLBP.iii.
  • Show more

Network support analyst example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain the internal network (LAN/WAN) hardware for end user computers and VoIP phones.
  • Manage project to maximize available bandwidth and throughput by implementing QOS technologies including compression, traffic shaping and priority/custom queuing.
  • Analyze logs and collect data to produce reports using LINUX operating system relate to IP TV viewing.
  • Support configuration/programming of routers, switches and other complex network equipment.
  • Provide support during data center consolidation by decommissioning routers, switches and servers.
  • Network integration using TCP/IP and IPX protocols.
  • Show more

Cisco network engineer vs network support analyst skills

Common cisco network engineer skills
  • Switches, 8%
  • Firewall, 6%
  • CCNA, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 4%
  • VoIP, 4%
  • Network Infrastructure, 4%
Common network support analyst skills
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • Switches, 5%
  • Routers, 4%
  • Problem Resolution, 4%
  • Firewall, 4%
  • Network Support, 4%

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