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The differences between cisco network engineers and network support 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 support engineer. Additionally, a cisco network engineer has an average salary of $98,143, which is higher than the $86,406 average annual salary of a network support engineer.
The top three skills for a cisco network engineer include switches, firewall and CCNA. The most important skills for a network support engineer are switches, network support, and OSPF.
| Cisco Network Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $98,143 | $86,406 |
| Hourly rate | $47.18 | $41.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 34,408 | 113,476 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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 support engineer is an information technology expert who designs and develops computer systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Among their responsibilities include performing installations and upgrades, configuring networks, troubleshooting issues, gathering and analyzing data to identify areas needing improvement, and recommending strategies to optimize network operations. They must also provide technical support to staff, address issues and concerns, conduct inspections, and perform repairs. Moreover, a network support engineer must regularly monitor networks while implementing the company's security and safety standards.
Cisco network engineers and network support engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cisco Network Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Average salary | $98,143 | $86,406 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $131,000 | Between $66,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Cisco | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a cisco network engineer and a network support engineer in terms of educational background:
| Cisco Network Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between cisco network engineers' and network support engineers' demographics:
| Cisco Network Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% | Male, 89.2% Female, 10.8% |
| 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% |