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Computer network administrator vs network engineer

The differences between computer network administrators and network 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 computer network administrator and a network engineer. Additionally, a network engineer has an average salary of $83,557, which is higher than the $69,113 average annual salary of a computer network administrator.

The top three skills for a computer network administrator include customer service, computer network and PC. The most important skills for a network engineer are switches, troubleshoot, and network infrastructure.

Computer network administrator vs network engineer overview

Computer Network AdministratorNetwork Engineer
Yearly salary$69,113$83,557
Hourly rate$33.23$40.17
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs96,27672,346
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Computer network administrator vs network engineer salary

Computer network administrators and network engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer Network AdministratorNetwork Engineer
Average salary$69,113$83,557
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $93,000Between $62,000 And $111,000
Highest paying CityRedwood City, CAMenlo Park, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyGoogleThe Citadel
Best paying industryManufacturingTechnology

Differences between computer network administrator and network engineer education

There are a few differences between a computer network administrator and a network engineer in terms of educational background:

Computer Network AdministratorNetwork Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorComputer ScienceElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeCarnegie Mellon UniversityCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Computer network administrator vs network engineer demographics

Here are the differences between computer network administrators' and network engineers' demographics:

Computer Network AdministratorNetwork Engineer
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 89.5% Female, 10.5%Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.7% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between computer network administrator and network engineer duties and responsibilities

Computer network administrator example responsibilities.

  • Establish and manage SharePoint base intranet for departmental and interdepartmental support.
  • Administer network and routing protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, SMTP).
  • Install and configure computer workstations and configure laptop computers for RAS and docking station connections on LAN.
  • Install, administer, and maintain networks with many servers, switches, routers, wireless access points, and firewalls.
  • Install and configure VPN client.
  • Administer electronic mail and SQL servers.
  • Show more

Network engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage UCCE deployments which include CUCM, IPIVR, CVP , 3rd party reporting and CUIC.
  • Manage UNIX's projects to meet project dateline while solving daily network crisis.
  • Perform the tasks of designing, implementing, supporting, and managing networking and telecommunication infrastructure.
  • Manage all domain registrations, SSL certificate management.
  • Create locally manage and centrally manage gateways on checkpoint firewall.
  • Manage and administrate security policy and procedures for all VPN network connectivity and accounts.
  • Show more

Computer network administrator vs network engineer skills

Common computer network administrator skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Computer Network, 7%
  • PC, 5%
  • Switches, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%
  • Desk Support, 4%
Common network engineer skills
  • Switches, 7%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%
  • Network Infrastructure, 4%
  • BGP, 4%
  • OSPF, 4%
  • Lan Wan, 4%

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