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The differences between network contractors and network support 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 contractor and a network support technician. Additionally, a network contractor has an average salary of $55,845, which is higher than the $48,622 average annual salary of a network support technician.
The top three skills for a network contractor include customer service, service calls and provider network. The most important skills for a network support technician are troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service.
| Network Contractor | Network Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $55,845 | $48,622 |
| Hourly rate | $26.85 | $23.38 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 45,116 | 120,245 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Network contractors are information technology (IT) professionals who accept contracts from clients to provide materials and labor to perform tasks related to installing and maintaining network systems. These contractors must coordinate network security systems to deliver the efficiency of their clients' network systems. They must develop and maintain business relationships with providers to ensure proper network composition. They need to provide end-user training on network systems to maximize operator efficiency and increase speed. Network contractors should also assist their clients in the operation, restoration, and configuration of computer systems.
A network support technician specializes in optimizing a company's information technology (IT) networks for a smooth and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting, installing systems, executing upgrades, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing corrective measures as needed. They must also coordinate with staff in developing new IT systems, evaluate existing networks for areas needing improvement, and develop protocols while adhering to the company's policies and regulations. Furthermore, as a network support technician, it is essential to maintain regular network maintenance checks to ensure the security and safety of company data.
Network contractors and network support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Contractor | Network Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $55,845 | $48,622 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $79,000 | Between $38,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Troy, NY |
| Highest paying state | - | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | - | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a network contractor and a network support technician in terms of educational background:
| Network Contractor | Network Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between network contractors' and network support technicians' demographics:
| Network Contractor | Network Support Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.5% Female, 24.5% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 8.7% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.7% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |