Network security analyst vs network engineer

The differences between network security analysts and network engineers 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 engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a network engineer has an average salary of $83,557, which is higher than the $81,623 average annual salary of a network security analyst.

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

Network security analyst vs network engineer overview

	Network Security Analyst	Network Engineer
Yearly salary	$81,623	$83,557
Hourly rate	$39.24	$40.17
Growth rate	32%	5%
Number of jobs	82,954	72,346
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
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 engineer do?

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 security analyst vs network engineer salary

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

	Network Security Analyst	Network Engineer
Average salary	$81,623	$83,557
Salary range	Between $61,000 And $108,000	Between $62,000 And $111,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	Menlo Park, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	Bunge	The Citadel
Best paying industry	Professional	Technology

Differences between network security analyst and network engineer education

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

	Network Security Analyst	Network Engineer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Computer Science	Electrical Engineering
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	California State University - Long Beach

Network security analyst vs network engineer demographics

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

	Network Security Analyst	Network Engineer
Average age	42	43
Gender ratio	Male, 84.9% Female, 15.1%	Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4%
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, 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%

Differences between network security analyst and network engineer 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 engineer example responsibilities.

Manage UCCE deployments which include CUCM, IPIVR, CVP , 3rd party reporting and CUIC.
Manage UNIX's projects to meet project dateline while solving daily network crisis.
Perform the tasks of designing, implementing, supporting, and managing networking and telecommunication infrastructure.
Manage all domain registrations, SSL certificate management.
Create locally manage and centrally manage gateways on checkpoint firewall.
Manage and administrate security policy and procedures for all VPN network connectivity and accounts.

Network security analyst vs network engineer skills

Common network security analyst skills

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

Common network engineer skills

Switches, 7%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Network Infrastructure, 4%
BGP, 4%
OSPF, 4%
Lan Wan, 4%

Network Security Analyst vs. similar jobs

Network Security Analyst related careers

Network Security Analyst related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Computer and Mathematical Industry
Network Security Analyst
Network Security Analyst vs Network Engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs