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The differences between network architects and administrators 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 architect and an administrator. Additionally, a network architect has an average salary of $105,375, which is higher than the $72,882 average annual salary of an administrator.
The top three skills for a network architect include architecture, BGP and network infrastructure. The most important skills for an administrator are customer service, data entry, and troubleshoot.
| Network Architect | Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $105,375 | $72,882 |
| Hourly rate | $50.66 | $35.04 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 96,500 | 67,553 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A network architect is an information technology expert specializing in designing and developing network systems for a company. Their responsibilities typically include performing research and analysis to identify and understand the network needs of a company, planning and performing installations and implementation, establishing guidelines and timelines, upgrading systems, and developing strategies to enhance network operations. Moreover, a network architect must implement security policies and regulations, conduct regular maintenance checks, and perform repairs and modifications to maintain a smooth and efficient workflow.
Administrators are administrative professionals who oversee the whole office or department. They manage office activities and supervise administrative functions in the office. They work the office calendar and oversee the appointment-setting process. They coordinate office events and ensure that all preparations are made and that there are no conflicting schedules. They also maintain a database of external providers of various office needs. Administrators also oversee office supplies and prepare purchase requisitions. They also manage janitorial services and other functions that are related to the maintenance of the physical office space. Administrators ensure that all fixtures and equipment in the office are functioning well and have no problems.
Network architects and administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Architect | Administrator | |
| Average salary | $105,375 | $72,882 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $146,000 | Between $46,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Anaplan | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a network architect and an administrator in terms of educational background:
| Network Architect | Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between network architects' and administrators' demographics:
| Network Architect | Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3% | Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 12.3% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 8.8% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |