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The differences between core network 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 core network engineer and a network engineer. Additionally, a core network engineer has an average salary of $103,964, which is higher than the $83,557 average annual salary of a network engineer.
The top three skills for a core network engineer include IP, java and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a network engineer are switches, troubleshoot, and network infrastructure.
| Core Network Engineer | Network Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $103,964 | $83,557 |
| Hourly rate | $49.98 | $40.17 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 34,068 | 72,346 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
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.
Core network engineers and network engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Core Network Engineer | Network Engineer | |
| Average salary | $103,964 | $83,557 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $137,000 | Between $62,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a core network engineer and a network engineer in terms of educational background:
| Core Network Engineer | Network Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between core network engineers' and network engineers' demographics:
| Core Network Engineer | Network Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| 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, 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% |