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The differences between network engineers 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 engineer and a network support technician. Additionally, a network engineer has an average salary of $83,557, which is higher than the $48,622 average annual salary of a network support technician.
The top three skills for a network engineer include switches, troubleshoot and network infrastructure. The most important skills for a network support technician are troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service.
| Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $83,557 | $48,622 |
| Hourly rate | $40.17 | $23.38 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 72,346 | 120,245 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs. They also check network defects, perform troubleshooting, improve data security systems, and install security updates. A network engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a broad understanding of system codes, programming languages, and network configurations.
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 engineers and network support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $83,557 | $48,622 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $111,000 | Between $38,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | Menlo Park, CA | Troy, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a network engineer and a network support technician in terms of educational background:
| Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between network engineers' and network support technicians' demographics:
| Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.7% White, 61.5% 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% |