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The differences between infrastructure 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 an infrastructure technician and a network support technician. Additionally, an infrastructure technician has an average salary of $96,543, which is higher than the $48,622 average annual salary of a network support technician.
The top three skills for an infrastructure technician include troubleshoot, structured cabling and technical support. The most important skills for a network support technician are troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service.
In the information technology (IT) industry, an infrastructure technician is an IT expert responsible for the maintenance and installation of computer systems and networks. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting problems, performing adjustments and modifications, developing test structures, eliminating bugs, and maintaining documentation. There are also instances where they participate in designing and developing network software and hardware, liaising with clients, and overseeing IT operations. Moreover, an infrastructure technician must provide technical support and guidance to staff, all while enforcing the security and quality standards of the company.
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.
Infrastructure technicians and network support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Infrastructure Technician | Network Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $96,543 | $48,622 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $148,000 | Between $38,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Troy, NY |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Yelp | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between an infrastructure technician and a network support technician in terms of educational background:
| Infrastructure Technician | Network Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 49% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Computer Information Systems | Computer Science |
| Most common college | - | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between infrastructure technicians' and network support technicians' demographics:
| Infrastructure Technician | Network Support Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 10.6% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 11% | 9% |