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The differences between core network engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a core network engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a core network engineer has an average salary of $103,964, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a core network engineer include IP, java and troubleshoot. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Core Network Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $103,964 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $49.98 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 34,068 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A Core Network Engineer designs and develops the backbone of an establishment's computer network, facilitating connections from one system to another. They conduct research and assessments to identify project requirements, install and maintain networks, establish guidelines and protocols, develop test structures to identify bugs, troubleshoot errors, and provide technical support as needed. It is also their responsibility to implement security systems and policies, all while maintaining records. A Core Engineer often works together with other engineers to strengthen the workflow and quality of networks.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Core network engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Core Network Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $103,964 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $137,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Fort Bend County | |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a core network engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Core Network Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between core network engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Core Network Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 13.9% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 5% |