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The differences between core network engineers and network support technicians 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 technician. Additionally, a core network engineer has an average salary of $103,964, which is higher than the $48,622 average annual salary of a network support technician.
The top three skills for a core network engineer include IP, java and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a network support technician are troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service.
| Core Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $103,964 | $48,622 |
| Hourly rate | $49.98 | $23.38 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 34,068 | 120,245 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| 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 technician specializes in optimizing a company's information technology (IT) networks for a smooth and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting, installing systems, executing upgrades, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing corrective measures as needed. They must also coordinate with staff in developing new IT systems, evaluate existing networks for areas needing improvement, and develop protocols while adhering to the company's policies and regulations. Furthermore, as a network support technician, it is essential to maintain regular network maintenance checks to ensure the security and safety of company data.
Core network engineers and network support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Core Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $103,964 | $48,622 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $137,000 | Between $38,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Troy, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a core network engineer and a network support technician in terms of educational background:
| Core Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between core network engineers' and network support technicians' demographics:
| Core Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| 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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.7% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |