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The differences between network architects and network 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 architect and a network technician. Additionally, a network architect has an average salary of $105,375, which is higher than the $68,938 average annual salary of a network technician.
The top three skills for a network architect include architecture, BGP and network infrastructure. The most important skills for a network technician are customer service, switches, and troubleshoot.
| Network Architect | Network Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $105,375 | $68,938 |
| Hourly rate | $50.66 | $33.14 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 96,500 | 79,712 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| 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.
A network technician is responsible for system malfunction diagnosis and troubleshooting operations. Network technicians duties' include repairing damaged system components, analyzing computer systems and blueprints, installing network connections, and upgrading accessories for efficient operations. Other duties include assisting customers with technical issues, ensuring computer systems' privacy, creating documents of network issues and resolutions, and suggesting alternative equipment for network backups. A network technician must have a broad knowledge of the technology industry and mechanical processes, plus the ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision.
Network architects and network technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Architect | Network Technician | |
| Average salary | $105,375 | $68,938 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $146,000 | Between $51,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Urban Honolulu, HI |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Anaplan | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between a network architect and a network technician in terms of educational background:
| Network Architect | Network Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between network architects' and network technicians' demographics:
| Network Architect | Network Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3% | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% |
| 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, 9.4% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |