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The differences between network operators and network support 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 support engineer. Additionally, a network support engineer has an average salary of $86,406, 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 support engineer are switches, network support, and OSPF.
| Network Operator | Network Support Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $54,148 | $86,406 |
| Hourly rate | $26.03 | $41.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 51,668 | 113,476 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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 support engineer is an information technology expert who designs and develops computer systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Among their responsibilities include performing installations and upgrades, configuring networks, troubleshooting issues, gathering and analyzing data to identify areas needing improvement, and recommending strategies to optimize network operations. They must also provide technical support to staff, address issues and concerns, conduct inspections, and perform repairs. Moreover, a network support engineer must regularly monitor networks while implementing the company's security and safety standards.
Network operators and network support engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Operator | Network Support Engineer | |
| Average salary | $54,148 | $86,406 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $98,000 | Between $66,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | Arlington, VA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | State Street | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a network operator and a network support engineer in terms of educational background:
| Network Operator | Network Support Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between network operators' and network support engineers' demographics:
| Network Operator | Network Support Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.2% Female, 15.8% | Male, 89.2% Female, 10.8% |
| 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, 8.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 13.9% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |