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The differences between cisco network engineers and network support technicians 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 technician. Additionally, a cisco network engineer has an average salary of $98,143, which is higher than the $48,622 average annual salary of a network support technician.
The top three skills for a cisco network engineer include switches, firewall and CCNA. The most important skills for a network support technician are troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service.
| Cisco Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $98,143 | $48,622 |
| Hourly rate | $47.18 | $23.38 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 34,408 | 120,245 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| 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 technician specializes in optimizing a company's information technology (IT) networks for a smooth and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting, installing systems, executing upgrades, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing corrective measures as needed. They must also coordinate with staff in developing new IT systems, evaluate existing networks for areas needing improvement, and develop protocols while adhering to the company's policies and regulations. Furthermore, as a network support technician, it is essential to maintain regular network maintenance checks to ensure the security and safety of company data.
Cisco network engineers and network support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cisco Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $98,143 | $48,622 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $131,000 | Between $38,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Troy, NY |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Cisco | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a cisco network engineer and a network support technician in terms of educational background:
| Cisco Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between cisco network engineers' and network support technicians' demographics:
| Cisco Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| 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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.7% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |