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Computer network engineer vs desktop engineer

The differences between computer network engineers and desktop 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 engineer and a desktop engineer. Additionally, a desktop engineer has an average salary of $102,893, which is higher than the $78,373 average annual salary of a computer network engineer.

The top three skills for a computer network engineer include linux, network troubleshooting and ethernet. The most important skills for a desktop engineer are customer service, SCCM, and troubleshoot.

Computer network engineer vs desktop engineer overview

Computer Network EngineerDesktop Engineer
Yearly salary$78,373$102,893
Hourly rate$37.68$49.47
Growth rate5%10%
Number of jobs97,20987,458
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Average age4342
Years of experience22

Computer network engineer vs desktop engineer salary

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

Computer Network EngineerDesktop Engineer
Average salary$78,373$102,893
Salary rangeBetween $59,000 And $103,000Between $77,000 And $136,000
Highest paying CityPawtucket, RISan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateRhode IslandCalifornia
Best paying companyAmazonRopes & Gray
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

Differences between computer network engineer and desktop engineer education

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

Computer Network EngineerDesktop Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringComputer Science
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Computer network engineer vs desktop engineer demographics

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

Computer Network EngineerDesktop Engineer
Average age4342
Gender ratioMale, 90.3% Female, 9.7%Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 12.3% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 13.6% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%11%

Differences between computer network engineer and desktop engineer duties and responsibilities

Computer network engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage & monitor database servers and perform weekly/monthly data backup schedules and recovery strategies.
  • Set up and configure new hardware including servers, routers, switches, workstations.
  • Integrate, upgrade and maintain existing CISCO routers, switches and other lab equipment.
  • Install and configure OS and application software.
  • Work with Unix and Microsoft software and servers.
  • Configure, troubleshoot, upgrade, and maintain the network hardware/software systems
  • Show more

Desktop engineer example responsibilities.

  • Assign and manage extensions, voicemail accounts using AVAYA phone system.
  • Partner with Microsoft, Symantec and other vendors to manage applications on all corporate desktops.
  • Work on installing, configuring and managing multiple LAN/WAN network technologies (Cisco switches, routers and firewalls).
  • Manage software deployments using SCCM and oversee monitoring of complex applications.
  • Install and troubleshoot LAN connectivity email configurations on end-user workstations.
  • Advance knowledge of LAN's including administration, security and physical cabling.
  • Show more

Computer network engineer vs desktop engineer skills

Common computer network engineer skills
  • Linux, 9%
  • Network Troubleshooting, 8%
  • Ethernet, 7%
  • Tcp Ip, 5%
  • PC, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%
Common desktop engineer skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • SCCM, 9%
  • Troubleshoot, 7%
  • PowerShell, 6%
  • OS, 4%
  • Technical Support, 4%

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