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Computer networker vs network engineer

The differences between computer networkers 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 networker and a network engineer. Additionally, a network engineer has an average salary of $83,557, which is higher than the $71,766 average annual salary of a computer networker.

The top three skills for a computer networker include switches, DNS and TCP/IP. The most important skills for a network engineer are switches, troubleshoot, and network infrastructure.

Computer networker vs network engineer overview

Computer NetworkerNetwork Engineer
Yearly salary$71,766$83,557
Hourly rate$34.50$40.17
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs30,06672,346
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Computer networker vs network engineer salary

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

Computer NetworkerNetwork Engineer
Average salary$71,766$83,557
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $99,000Between $62,000 And $111,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAMenlo Park, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutCalifornia
Best paying companyAmazonThe Citadel
Best paying industryHospitalityTechnology

Differences between computer networker and network engineer education

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

Computer NetworkerNetwork Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorComputer ScienceElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeCarnegie Mellon UniversityCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Computer networker vs network engineer demographics

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

Computer NetworkerNetwork Engineer
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 88.2% Female, 11.8%Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.7% White, 61.4% 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 networker and network engineer duties and responsibilities

Computer networker example responsibilities.

  • Design, install, configure and manage Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop environment.
  • Install and configure switches, routers, and servers in racks and provide physical connections to the LAN's on-site.
  • Support and maintain VoIP phones.
  • Gain familiarity with TCP/IP, network protocols and Linux operating system.
  • Configure TCP/IP addressing on client PCs; as well as DHCP server.
  • Deploy, sustain, troubleshoot and repair standard voice, data and video network infrastructure.
  • 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 networker vs network engineer skills

Common computer networker skills
  • Switches, 12%
  • DNS, 11%
  • TCP/IP, 10%
  • Encryption, 9%
  • Firewall, 8%
  • Windows Server, 7%
Common network engineer skills
  • Switches, 7%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%
  • Network Infrastructure, 4%
  • BGP, 4%
  • OSPF, 4%
  • Lan Wan, 4%

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