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Computer network specialist vs network engineer

The differences between computer network specialists 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 specialist and a network engineer. Additionally, a network engineer has an average salary of $83,557, which is higher than the $60,733 average annual salary of a computer network specialist.

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

Computer network specialist vs network engineer overview

Computer Network SpecialistNetwork Engineer
Yearly salary$60,733$83,557
Hourly rate$29.20$40.17
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs84,24272,346
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Computer network specialist vs network engineer salary

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

Computer Network SpecialistNetwork Engineer
Average salary$60,733$83,557
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $85,000Between $62,000 And $111,000
Highest paying CitySan Jose, CAMenlo Park, CA
Highest paying stateWest VirginiaCalifornia
Best paying companySoftentialThe Citadel
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between computer network specialist and network engineer education

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

Computer Network SpecialistNetwork Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 48%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorComputer ScienceElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Computer network specialist vs network engineer demographics

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

Computer Network SpecialistNetwork Engineer
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 85.1% Female, 14.9%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 specialist and network engineer duties and responsibilities

Computer network specialist example responsibilities.

  • Lead the Linux desktop team in both training and deployment as well as end user support.
  • Lead effort to develop and maintain client's database by customizing existing computer information systems to support operating objectives.
  • Engineer network projects including cable, socket and patch panel terminations including configuration of network routers, and switches and firewalls.
  • Implement hardware, software and network solutions, wire, wireless, and remote access, routers, switches, cabling.
  • Install and document 80 Cat5 Ethernet drops.
  • Load image on new PCs and other electronic devices.
  • 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 specialist vs network engineer skills

Common computer network specialist skills
  • Computer System, 11%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Computer Network, 9%
  • Technical Support, 9%
  • Switches, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 4%
Common network engineer skills
  • Switches, 7%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%
  • Network Infrastructure, 4%
  • BGP, 4%
  • OSPF, 4%
  • Lan Wan, 4%

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