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The differences between core network engineers and system 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 system technician. Additionally, a core network engineer has an average salary of $103,964, which is higher than the $43,410 average annual salary of a system technician.
The top three skills for a core network engineer include IP, java and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a system technician are customer service, hand tools, and preventative maintenance.
| Core Network Engineer | System Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $103,964 | $43,410 |
| Hourly rate | $49.98 | $20.87 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 34,068 | 137,121 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Associate Degree, 40% |
| 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 system technician is an individual responsible for supporting users with issues related to the computer system. System technicians conduct appropriate diagnostics on computer issues and must be able to explain technical issues to clients or team members. They should carry out tests on the system so that they can generate error reports to identify and fix any computer system problems. System technicians also can write and maintain computer programs and work with computers and electronics, including circuit boards, computer hardware and software, and computer processors.
Core network engineers and system technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Core Network Engineer | System Technician | |
| Average salary | $103,964 | $43,410 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $137,000 | Between $27,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Government |
There are a few differences between a core network engineer and a system technician in terms of educational background:
| Core Network Engineer | System Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Associate Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between core network engineers' and system technicians' demographics:
| Core Network Engineer | System Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| 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, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |