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The differences between core network engineers and network security 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 security engineer. Additionally, a core network engineer has an average salary of $103,964, which is higher than the $88,322 average annual salary of a network security engineer.
The top three skills for a core network engineer include IP, java and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a network security engineer are network security, windows, and cisco asa.
| Core Network Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $103,964 | $88,322 |
| Hourly rate | $49.98 | $42.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 34,068 | 91,892 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| 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 security engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all the organization's network systems, conducting regular configuration and maintenance to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities that may pose risks for the company's integrity. Network security engineers manage security threats and strategize resolutions to mitigate the reoccurrence of security issues. They also develop security enhancement recommendations, update network infrastructure, and monitor system activities. A network security engineer should have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes.
Core network engineers and network security engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Core Network Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Average salary | $103,964 | $88,322 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $137,000 | Between $64,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Knot | |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Retail |
There are a few differences between a core network engineer and a network security engineer in terms of educational background:
| Core Network Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between core network engineers' and network security engineers' demographics:
| Core Network Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% |
| 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, 8.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 13.9% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |