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The differences between core network engineers and network support 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 support engineer. Additionally, a core network engineer has an average salary of $103,964, which is higher than the $86,406 average annual salary of a network support engineer.
The top three skills for a core network engineer include IP, java and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a network support engineer are switches, network support, and OSPF.
| Core Network Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $103,964 | $86,406 |
| Hourly rate | $49.98 | $41.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 34,068 | 113,476 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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 support engineer is an information technology expert who designs and develops computer systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Among their responsibilities include performing installations and upgrades, configuring networks, troubleshooting issues, gathering and analyzing data to identify areas needing improvement, and recommending strategies to optimize network operations. They must also provide technical support to staff, address issues and concerns, conduct inspections, and perform repairs. Moreover, a network support engineer must regularly monitor networks while implementing the company's security and safety standards.
Core network engineers and network support engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Core Network Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Average salary | $103,964 | $86,406 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $137,000 | Between $66,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a core network engineer and a network support engineer in terms of educational background:
| Core Network Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between core network engineers' and network support engineers' demographics:
| Core Network Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 89.2% Female, 10.8% |
| 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% |