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The differences between hardware engineers and 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 hardware engineer and a network engineer. Additionally, a hardware engineer has an average salary of $104,912, which is higher than the $83,557 average annual salary of a network engineer.
The top three skills for a hardware engineer include python, RF and PCB. The most important skills for a network engineer are switches, troubleshoot, and network infrastructure.
| Hardware Engineer | Network Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,912 | $83,557 |
| Hourly rate | $50.44 | $40.17 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 53,213 | 72,346 |
| Job satisfaction | 1 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Hardware engineers or computer hardware engineers are responsible for developing, designing, and examining computer hardware. They help speed up new computer technology by creating enhancements in computer hardware. The hardware engineers oversee the installation of parts, manufacturing, and production. Also, they examine intricate equipment to identify an effective way to improve it as well as design devices used in manufactured products. Another responsibility is to ensure computer hardware units work with the newest software, which often requires collaboration with other software engineers.
A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs. They also check network defects, perform troubleshooting, improve data security systems, and install security updates. A network engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a broad understanding of system codes, programming languages, and network configurations.
Hardware engineers and network engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hardware Engineer | Network Engineer | |
| Average salary | $104,912 | $83,557 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $142,000 | Between $62,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a hardware engineer and a network engineer in terms of educational background:
| Hardware Engineer | Network Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between hardware engineers' and network engineers' demographics:
| Hardware Engineer | Network Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 30.3% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.7% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 9% |