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Data network engineer vs system technician

The differences between data 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 data network engineer and a system technician. Additionally, a data network engineer has an average salary of $97,321, which is higher than the $43,410 average annual salary of a system technician.

The top three skills for a data network engineer include BGP, switches and EIGRP. The most important skills for a system technician are customer service, hand tools, and preventative maintenance.

Data network engineer vs system technician overview

Data Network EngineerSystem Technician
Yearly salary$97,321$43,410
Hourly rate$46.79$20.87
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs108,729137,121
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Associate Degree, 40%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Data network engineer vs system technician salary

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

Data Network EngineerSystem Technician
Average salary$97,321$43,410
Salary rangeBetween $71,000 And $132,000Between $27,000 And $67,000
Highest paying CitySanta Clara, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyThe KnotBristol-Myers Squibb
Best paying industryTechnologyGovernment

Differences between data network engineer and system technician education

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

Data Network EngineerSystem Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Associate Degree, 40%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityStanford University

Data network engineer vs system technician demographics

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

Data Network EngineerSystem Technician
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 86.7% Female, 13.3%Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0%
Race ratioBlack 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, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between data network engineer and system technician 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.
  • Show more

System technician example responsibilities.

  • Install and manage approve software distributions using Microsoft SCCM.
  • Manage, support and maintain modern EMC SAN storage platform.
  • Manage 185 virtualize desktops running in a cluster VMware ESX environment.
  • Provide on-site construction support and lead system testing, debugging, and startup.
  • Develop and implement a weekly schedule on SQL databases to automate the execution of maintenance plans.
  • Plan and lead training programs on new software development essential to the movement to a paperless travel department for DoD.
  • Show more

Data network engineer vs system technician skills

Common data network engineer skills
  • BGP, 7%
  • Switches, 7%
  • EIGRP, 6%
  • OSPF, 5%
  • Data Network, 4%
  • Nexus, 4%
Common system technician skills
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 6%
  • Technical Support, 5%
  • Control Systems, 4%
  • Security Systems, 4%

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