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The differences between network operators and network 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 operator and a network administrator. Additionally, a network administrator has an average salary of $71,357, which is higher than the $54,148 average annual salary of a network operator.
The top three skills for a network operator include switches, customer service and routers. The most important skills for a network administrator are switches, windows server, and troubleshoot.
| Network Operator | Network Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $54,148 | $71,357 |
| Hourly rate | $26.03 | $34.31 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 51,668 | 106,886 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A Network Provider in an organization is the person who provides wired and wireless communication services that own or control the infrastructure that is important when it comes to selling and delivering services to mobile network operators, virtual network operators, and end-users. You will be required to monitor and troubleshoot communication and application-related tools, maintain the wireless network infrastructure, test and implement new products and services and plan and manage telecommunication services when large and complex projects are being carried out.
A network administrator is responsible for managing an organization's computer systems, ensuring its smooth operations and highest efficiency. Network administrators' duties include inspecting network malfunctions, troubleshooting unresponsive programs, improving system processes, analyzing client's specifications, upgrading existing applications, coordinating with the technology department, and creating a report of network issues resolutions. A network administrator should display a strong command of programming languages. Extensive knowledge in the technology industry and analytical and problem-solving skills to manage network problems immediately is also necessary.
Network operators and network administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Operator | Network Administrator | |
| Average salary | $54,148 | $71,357 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $98,000 | Between $56,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | Arlington, VA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Washington |
| Best paying company | State Street | |
| Best paying industry | Government | Finance |
There are a few differences between a network operator and a network administrator in terms of educational background:
| Network Operator | Network Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between network operators' and network administrators' demographics:
| Network Operator | Network Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.2% Female, 15.8% | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 9.1% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 9.6% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |