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The differences between core network engineers and network 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 technician. Additionally, a core network engineer has an average salary of $103,964, which is higher than the $68,938 average annual salary of a network technician.
The top three skills for a core network engineer include IP, java and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a network technician are customer service, switches, and troubleshoot.
| Core Network Engineer | Network Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $103,964 | $68,938 |
| Hourly rate | $49.98 | $33.14 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 34,068 | 79,712 |
| 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 technician is responsible for system malfunction diagnosis and troubleshooting operations. Network technicians duties' include repairing damaged system components, analyzing computer systems and blueprints, installing network connections, and upgrading accessories for efficient operations. Other duties include assisting customers with technical issues, ensuring computer systems' privacy, creating documents of network issues and resolutions, and suggesting alternative equipment for network backups. A network technician must have a broad knowledge of the technology industry and mechanical processes, plus the ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision.
Core network engineers and network technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Core Network Engineer | Network Technician | |
| Average salary | $103,964 | $68,938 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $137,000 | Between $51,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Urban Honolulu, HI |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Apple | |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between a core network engineer and a network technician in terms of educational background:
| Core Network Engineer | Network 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 technicians' demographics:
| Core Network Engineer | Network Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% |
| 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, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 9.4% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |