Network security analyst vs network administrator

The differences between network security analysts and network administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a network security analyst, becoming a network administrator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a network security analyst has an average salary of $81,623, which is higher than the $71,357 average annual salary of a network administrator.

The top three skills for a network security analyst include network security, windows and incident response. The most important skills for a network administrator are switches, windows server, and troubleshoot.

Network security analyst vs network administrator overview

	Network Security Analyst	Network Administrator
Yearly salary	$81,623	$71,357
Hourly rate	$39.24	$34.31
Growth rate	32%	5%
Number of jobs	82,954	106,886
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age	42	43
Years of experience	6	2

What does a network security analyst do?

Network security analysts are information technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for designing and implementing security measures to prevent suspicious or hostile activities on the computer and network systems for an organization. These analysts must install firewalls while working with the IT team to protect their systems against malicious attacks. They are required to perform forensic analysis on those malicious activities so that they can determine the source of the threats. Network security analysts must also communicate the state of information security to the stakeholders as well as suggesting ways to improve system security.

What does a network administrator do?

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 security analyst vs network administrator salary

Network security analysts and network administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Network Security Analyst	Network Administrator
Average salary	$81,623	$71,357
Salary range	Between $61,000 And $108,000	Between $56,000 And $90,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	Bunge	Google
Best paying industry	Professional	Finance

Differences between network security analyst and network administrator education

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

	Network Security Analyst	Network Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Network security analyst vs network administrator demographics

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

	Network Security Analyst	Network Administrator
Average age	42	43
Gender ratio	Male, 84.9% Female, 15.1%	Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4%
Race ratio	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%	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%

Differences between network security analyst and network administrator duties and responsibilities

Network security analyst example responsibilities.

Manage endpoint encryption, antivirus/anti-malware host IPS, process documentation, incident management.
Design and manage information systems security policy, implementation, and management for a globally distribute MPLS infrastructure.
Install and provide upkeep for Linux scanning, storage and group-relate web and network management servers.
Create shell scripts to generate list of all files directories ownership companywide on all UNIX and Linux systems.
Assist with NIST 800-171 compliance initiative.
Utilize ArcSight SIEM to create rules, filters and channels.

Network administrator example responsibilities.

Lead and manage desktop standards project.
Manage backups using EMC Networker and Avamar.
Manage Solarwinds to monitor servers and networks for all locations.
Manage all provisioning and technical issues for new customer IP blocks.
Deploy and manage storage (windows file servers and NetApp NAS).
Manage all technology: Novell, Microsoft, Cisco, email, library, labs, dorms, programs

Network security analyst vs network administrator skills

Common network security analyst skills

Network Security, 11%
Windows, 5%
Incident Response, 4%
Switches, 3%
Linux, 3%
Tcp Ip, 3%

Common network administrator skills

Switches, 7%
Windows Server, 6%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Network Hardware, 5%
Routers, 4%
Lan Wan, 4%

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Network Security Analyst vs Network Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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