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The differences between network operators and network engineers 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 engineer. Additionally, a network engineer has an average salary of $83,557, 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 engineer are switches, troubleshoot, and network infrastructure.
| Network Operator | Network Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $54,148 | $83,557 |
| Hourly rate | $26.03 | $40.17 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 51,668 | 72,346 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| 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 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.
Network operators and network engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Operator | Network Engineer | |
| Average salary | $54,148 | $83,557 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $98,000 | Between $62,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | Arlington, VA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | State Street | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a network operator and a network engineer in terms of educational background:
| Network Operator | Network Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between network operators' and network engineers' demographics:
| Network Operator | Network Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.2% Female, 15.8% | Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4% |
| 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, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.7% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |