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The differences between network operators 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 operator and a network support technician. Additionally, a network operator has an average salary of $54,148, which is higher than the $48,622 average annual salary of a network support technician.
The top three skills for a network operator include switches, customer service and routers. The most important skills for a network support technician are troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service.
| Network Operator | Network Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,148 | $48,622 |
| Hourly rate | $26.03 | $23.38 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 51,668 | 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 |
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 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 operators and network support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Operator | Network Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,148 | $48,622 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $98,000 | Between $38,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | Arlington, VA | Troy, NY |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | State Street | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a network operator and a network support technician in terms of educational background:
| Network Operator | Network Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between network operators' and network support technicians' demographics:
| Network Operator | Network Support Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.2% Female, 15.8% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| 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, 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% |