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The differences between information assurance analysts and network security engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an information assurance analyst, becoming a network security engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a network security engineer has an average salary of $88,322, which is higher than the $77,184 average annual salary of an information assurance analyst.
The top three skills for an information assurance analyst include RMF, DOD and ACAS. The most important skills for a network security engineer are network security, windows, and cisco asa.
| Information Assurance Analyst | Network Security Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $77,184 | $88,322 |
| Hourly rate | $37.11 | $42.46 |
| Growth rate | 32% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 104,926 | 91,892 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
Information assurance analysts are professionals who are responsible for conducting vulnerability management activities to assess potential threats. These analysts are required to establish information technology (IT) programs that protect member information from internal and external data loss. They need to develop security policies and procedures so that they can achieve ISO certification. They must also monitor and maintain networks while conducting a full range of security-related analysis to evaluate suspicious activities. Information assurance analysts must also review logs and interview personnel to determine the level of investigation or disciplinary actions.
A network security engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all the organization's network systems, conducting regular configuration and maintenance to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities that may pose risks for the company's integrity. Network security engineers manage security threats and strategize resolutions to mitigate the reoccurrence of security issues. They also develop security enhancement recommendations, update network infrastructure, and monitor system activities. A network security engineer should have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes.
Information assurance analysts and network security engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Assurance Analyst | Network Security Engineer | |
| Average salary | $77,184 | $88,322 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $108,000 | Between $64,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Pennsylvania | California |
| Best paying company | Apptio | The Knot |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Retail |
There are a few differences between an information assurance analyst and a network security engineer in terms of educational background:
| Information Assurance Analyst | Network Security Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Information Systems | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between information assurance analysts' and network security engineers' demographics:
| Information Assurance Analyst | Network Security Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |