Data network engineer vs senior network engineer

The differences between data network engineers and senior network 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 data network engineer and a senior network engineer. Additionally, a senior network engineer has an average salary of $111,707, which is higher than the $97,321 average annual salary of a data network engineer.

The top three skills for a data network engineer include BGP, switches and EIGRP. The most important skills for a senior network engineer are switches, BGP, and OSPF.

Data network engineer vs senior network engineer overview

	Data Network Engineer	Senior Network Engineer
Yearly salary	$97,321	$111,707
Hourly rate	$46.79	$53.71
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	108,729	35,428
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

Data network engineer vs senior network engineer salary

Data network engineers and senior network engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Data Network Engineer	Senior Network Engineer
Average salary	$97,321	$111,707
Salary range	Between $71,000 And $132,000	Between $85,000 And $145,000
Highest paying City	Santa Clara, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	Washington
Best paying company	The Knot	The Citadel
Best paying industry	Technology	Finance

Differences between data network engineer and senior network engineer education

There are a few differences between a data network engineer and a senior network engineer in terms of educational background:

	Data Network Engineer	Senior Network Engineer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Electrical Engineering
Most common college	Northeastern University	-

Data network engineer vs senior network engineer demographics

Here are the differences between data network engineers' and senior network engineers' demographics:

	Data Network Engineer	Senior Network Engineer
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 86.7% Female, 13.3%	Male, 93.2% Female, 6.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.7% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 13.5% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between data network engineer and senior network engineer duties and responsibilities

Data network engineer example responsibilities.

Implement and manage Cisco AVVID architecture to support efficient use of VoIP.
Manage router configuration changes, coordinate site surveys develop i-plans, update NOC and engineering documentation to reflect changes.
Review IOS bug notices and upgrade IOS software as needed on Cisco switches and routers.
Configure Cisco ASA VPN certificate authentication access for company-manage mobile devices using CiscoAnyconnect.
Network protocols include TCP/IP, SNA/SDLC, Novell IPX/SPX, X.25.
Evaluate and improve downstream BGP offerings.

Senior network engineer example responsibilities.

Manage check point firewall logs using check point tracker and splunk.
Manage network / systems security, implement policies, processes PCI, HIPAA compliance.
Manage the SAN base storage environment consisting of EMC CX3-80's and CX700's.
Design and build Cisco Meraki cloud manage firewall, switch, and wireless access points for new facility of marketing firm.
Manage network security processes using ASA firewalls.
Manage, operate and analyze results from Sourcefire detection systems.

Data network engineer vs senior network engineer skills

Common data network engineer skills

BGP, 7%
Switches, 7%
EIGRP, 6%
OSPF, 5%
Data Network, 4%
Nexus, 4%

Common senior network engineer skills

Switches, 7%
BGP, 5%
OSPF, 5%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Network Infrastructure, 4%
Lan Wan, 4%

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Data Network Engineer vs Senior Network Engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

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