Data center technician vs network support technician

The differences between data center technicians 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 data center technician and a network support technician. Additionally, a network support technician has an average salary of $48,622, which is higher than the $46,560 average annual salary of a data center technician.

The top three skills for a data center technician include patients, customer service and CLIA. The most important skills for a network support technician are troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service.

Data center technician vs network support technician overview

	Data Center Technician	Network Support Technician
Yearly salary	$46,560	$48,622
Hourly rate	$22.38	$23.38
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	139,177	120,245
Job satisfaction	4.5	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a data center technician do?

A data center technician is an information technology (IT) professional who ensures the optimal performance of data servers and network of a data center. Datacenter technicians are required to protect company data by preventing the overheating of data center components and replace failing parts promptly. They need to collaborate with software and network engineers to work on the organization's cybersecurity and network efficiency. Datacenter technicians must keep track of developing trends in data center technologies and provide advice about the procurement of new data center equipment.

What does a network support technician do?

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.

Data center technician vs network support technician salary

Data center technicians and network support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Data Center Technician	Network Support Technician
Average salary	$46,560	$48,622
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $74,000	Between $38,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City	Piscataway, NJ	Troy, NY
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Rhode Island
Best paying company	Microsoft	Microsoft
Best paying industry	Energy	Technology

Differences between data center technician and network support technician education

There are a few differences between a data center technician and a network support technician in terms of educational background:

	Data Center Technician	Network Support Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common major	Business	Computer Science
Most common college	-	University of Pennsylvania

Data center technician vs network support technician demographics

Here are the differences between data center technicians' and network support technicians' demographics:

	Data Center Technician	Network Support Technician
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9%	Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.7% White, 64.1% 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%

Differences between data center technician and network support technician duties and responsibilities

Data center technician example responsibilities.

Manage job schedules via Autosys, Tivoli, & Zeke.
Utilize remedy ticketing system to track and manage trouble tickets and changes.
Manage the daily operation of the NOC which includes provisioning servers, ticket handling and resolution and internal escalations.
Manage data center power, space and infrastructure planning for mainframe, distribute, storage and network equipment technologies.
Manage proactive network monitoring, repair, and maintenance for TDM, SS7, VoIP, and DWDM platforms.
Job responsibilities include monitoring network equipment and network performance in support of Net2Phones manage PacketCable VOIP solution.

Network support technician example responsibilities.

Assist in managing Nortel CS1000 phone system.
Manage a technician scheduling system base on Linux.
Manage SQL database moves, updates, backups, for end users ,.
Manage circuit provisioning, customer contact, order tracking, IP allocation and task management databases.
Manage all VoIP technology and phone configuration.
Manage security solutions, including firewall, anti-virus, and intrusion detection systems.

Data center technician vs network support technician skills

Common data center technician skills

Patients, 12%
Customer Service, 10%
CLIA, 9%
OSHA, 8%
Standard Operating Procedure, 8%
Center Management, 8%

Common network support technician skills

Troubleshoot, 9%
Technical Support, 6%
Customer Service, 6%
Network Support, 6%
Switches, 5%
Desk Support, 4%

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Data Center Technician vs Network Support Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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