Network administrator vs information technology technician

The differences between network administrators and information technology 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 network administrator and an information technology technician. Additionally, a network administrator has an average salary of $71,357, which is higher than the $49,031 average annual salary of an information technology technician.

The top three skills for a network administrator include switches, windows server and troubleshoot. The most important skills for an information technology technician are customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support.

Network administrator vs information technology technician overview

	Network Administrator	Information Technology Technician
Yearly salary	$71,357	$49,031
Hourly rate	$34.31	$23.57
Growth rate	5%	10%
Number of jobs	106,886	118,881
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age	43	42
Years of experience	2	2

What does a network administrator do?

A network administrator is responsible for managing an organization's computer systems, ensuring its smooth operations and highest efficiency. Network administrators' duties include inspecting network malfunctions, troubleshooting unresponsive programs, improving system processes, analyzing client's specifications, upgrading existing applications, coordinating with the technology department, and creating a report of network issues resolutions. A network administrator should display a strong command of programming languages. Extensive knowledge in the technology industry and analytical and problem-solving skills to manage network problems immediately is also necessary.

What does an information technology technician do?

An information technology technician, also known as an IT technician, is responsible for ensuring that all computer systems in a company or organization are running smoothly and efficiently. Their duties primarily revolve around installing and maintaining systems, including software and hardware, and resolving any issues. They also provide technical support such as troubleshooting, navigation, and even system upgrades. Furthermore, an information technology technician can choose whether to work for a company or independently.

Network administrator vs information technology technician salary

Network administrators and information technology technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Network Administrator	Information Technology Technician
Average salary	$71,357	$49,031
Salary range	Between $56,000 And $90,000	Between $28,000 And $83,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Urban Honolulu, HI
Highest paying state	Washington	Hawaii
Best paying company	Google	Cravath
Best paying industry	Finance	Finance

Differences between network administrator and information technology technician education

There are a few differences between a network administrator and an information technology technician in terms of educational background:

	Network Administrator	Information Technology Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Stanford University

Network administrator vs information technology technician demographics

Here are the differences between network administrators' and information technology technicians' demographics:

	Network Administrator	Information Technology Technician
Average age	43	42
Gender ratio	Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4%	Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 9.6% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 11.8% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	11%

Differences between network administrator and information technology technician duties and responsibilities

Network administrator example responsibilities.

Lead and manage desktop standards project.
Manage backups using EMC Networker and Avamar.
Manage Solarwinds to monitor servers and networks for all locations.
Manage all provisioning and technical issues for new customer IP blocks.
Deploy and manage storage (windows file servers and NetApp NAS).
Manage all technology: Novell, Microsoft, Cisco, email, library, labs, dorms, programs

Information technology technician example responsibilities.

Manage and execute project to remotely upgrade VPN clients
Manage incoming tickets and incidents in remedy and troubleshooting.
Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
Analyze and maintain OS and domain account information across systems to ensure efficient and security workstations and virtual computing environments.
Provide implementation coordination, vendor management, and training for voice over IP project (VOIP).
Work on multiple projects dealing with VMware, server installation, computer repair, web design, and networking.

Network administrator vs information technology technician skills

Common network administrator skills

Switches, 7%
Windows Server, 6%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Network Hardware, 5%
Routers, 4%
Lan Wan, 4%

Common information technology technician skills

Customer Service, 14%
Troubleshoot, 10%
Technical Support, 5%
Desk Support, 4%
Computer System, 3%
Network Printers, 3%

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Network Administrator vs Information Technology Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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