Network security administrator vs cyber security specialist

The differences between network security administrators and cyber security specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a network security administrator, becoming a cyber security specialist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a cyber security specialist has an average salary of $93,395, which is higher than the $82,247 average annual salary of a network security administrator.

The top three skills for a network security administrator include network security, troubleshoot and switches. The most important skills for a cyber security specialist are cyber security, incident response, and NIST.

Network security administrator vs cyber security specialist overview

	Network Security Administrator	Cyber Security Specialist
Yearly salary	$82,247	$93,395
Hourly rate	$39.54	$44.90
Growth rate	5%	32%
Number of jobs	130,342	65,235
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	43	42
Years of experience	2	6

What does a network security administrator do?

A Network Security Administrator works to ensure the security of the network systems and data in a company. They are responsible for developing and implementing security programs and protocols, establishing security guidelines, monitoring the networks, keeping an eye for any suspicious activities, or performing interventions to protect networks and data. They also respond to distress and investigates breaches to prevent them from happening again. In some companies, a Network Security Administrator is also in charge of managing network security staff, supervising their performance for an efficient workflow.

What does a cyber security specialist do?

Cybersecurity Specialists are information technology (IT) professionals who safeguard and protect the company's networks. They ensure that the network infrastructure is secure at all times. They do routine checks to see whether the infrastructure is vulnerable to attacks. Cybersecurity Specialists monitor and respond to security concerns. They launch programs or software to mitigate any attacks that the company's infrastructure may receive. They also look for ways to minimize the network infrastructure's vulnerability to risks, threats, and attacks.

Network security administrator vs cyber security specialist salary

Network security administrators and cyber security specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Network Security Administrator	Cyber Security Specialist
Average salary	$82,247	$93,395
Salary range	Between $59,000 And $113,000	Between $69,000 And $125,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Bellevue, WA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	Portland General Electric	BP America Inc
Best paying industry	Finance	Technology

Differences between network security administrator and cyber security specialist education

There are a few differences between a network security administrator and a cyber security specialist in terms of educational background:

	Network Security Administrator	Cyber Security Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	North Carolina State University

Network security administrator vs cyber security specialist demographics

Here are the differences between network security administrators' and cyber security specialists' demographics:

	Network Security Administrator	Cyber Security Specialist
Average age	43	42
Gender ratio	Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%	Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 11.8% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between network security administrator and cyber security specialist duties and responsibilities

Network security administrator example responsibilities.

Manage, configure, and verify available IP addresses.
Install, configure and manage virtual servers in a VMWare environment.
Monitor traffic/mail issues for IronPort and manage the VMWare network system, minimizing problems and maintaining smooth work flow.
Lead architecture and design sessions with customers; initiate technical meetings with customer engineers to further engage and identify additional opportunities.
Install and configure Cisco routers and switches for internet connectivity and establishing an enterprise network.
Perform weekly internal and external systems and configurations vulnerability assessments of all network firewalls, switches and routers.

Cyber security specialist example responsibilities.

Manage and monitor enterprise antivirus and software firewall programs.
Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
Scan network infrastructure for insecurities and vulnerabilities using programs such as ACAS and HBSS.
Work on implementing DISA STIGS.
Assist in using Nessus to scan local machines.
Upload audit files to ACAS in preparation for STIG scans.

Network security administrator vs cyber security specialist skills

Common network security administrator skills

Network Security, 8%
Troubleshoot, 6%
Switches, 6%
IDS, 4%
Security Policies, 4%
Routers, 4%

Common cyber security specialist skills

Cyber Security, 17%
Incident Response, 6%
NIST, 5%
Security Operations, 4%
Forensics, 4%
DOD, 3%

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Network Security Administrator vs Cyber Security Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

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