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The differences between network administrators and software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a network administrator, becoming a software developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software developer has an average salary of $87,521, which is higher than the $71,357 average annual salary of a network administrator.
The top three skills for a network administrator include switches, windows server and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Network Administrator | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $71,357 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $34.31 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 106,886 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Network administrators and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Administrator | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $71,357 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $90,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a network administrator and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Network Administrator | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between network administrators' and software developers' demographics:
| Network Administrator | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |