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The differences between network architects and system 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 system technician. Additionally, a network architect has an average salary of $105,375, which is higher than the $43,410 average annual salary of a system technician.
The top three skills for a network architect include architecture, BGP and network infrastructure. The most important skills for a system technician are customer service, hand tools, and preventative maintenance.
| Network Architect | System Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $105,375 | $43,410 |
| Hourly rate | $50.66 | $20.87 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 96,500 | 137,121 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Associate Degree, 40% |
| 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 system technician is an individual responsible for supporting users with issues related to the computer system. System technicians conduct appropriate diagnostics on computer issues and must be able to explain technical issues to clients or team members. They should carry out tests on the system so that they can generate error reports to identify and fix any computer system problems. System technicians also can write and maintain computer programs and work with computers and electronics, including circuit boards, computer hardware and software, and computer processors.
Network architects and system technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Architect | System Technician | |
| Average salary | $105,375 | $43,410 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $146,000 | Between $27,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Anaplan | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Government |
There are a few differences between a network architect and a system technician in terms of educational background:
| Network Architect | System Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Associate Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between network architects' and system technicians' demographics:
| Network Architect | System Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| 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, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |