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The differences between computer systems engineers 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 systems engineer and a network engineer. Additionally, a network engineer has an average salary of $83,557, which is higher than the $76,534 average annual salary of a computer systems engineer.
The top three skills for a computer systems engineer include computer system, python and C++. The most important skills for a network engineer are switches, troubleshoot, and network infrastructure.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Network Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,534 | $83,557 |
| Hourly rate | $36.80 | $40.17 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 149,045 | 72,346 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Computer systems engineers solve complex problems in network operations. These engineers test the system operations to check for a possible security breach and search for new processes to improve the entire system function. They work with other computer engineers to determine the details needed to design an integrated computer system. Their jobs require communications skills, critical thinking skills, and experience in systems evaluation to perform their duties well. They would also need to have a background in computers, technology and engineering, and computer design.
A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs. They also check network defects, perform troubleshooting, improve data security systems, and install security updates. A network engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a broad understanding of system codes, programming languages, and network configurations.
Computer systems engineers and network engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Network Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,534 | $83,557 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $98,000 | Between $62,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer systems engineer and a network engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Network Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between computer systems engineers' and network engineers' demographics:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Network Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 13.1% 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 Percentage | 9% | 9% |