Network security engineer vs administrator

The differences between network security engineers and administrators 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 security engineer and an administrator. Additionally, a network security engineer has an average salary of $88,322, which is higher than the $72,882 average annual salary of an administrator.

The top three skills for a network security engineer include network security, windows and cisco asa. The most important skills for an administrator are customer service, data entry, and troubleshoot.

Network security engineer vs administrator overview

	Network Security Engineer	Administrator
Yearly salary	$88,322	$72,882
Hourly rate	$42.46	$35.04
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	91,892	67,553
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a network security engineer do?

A network security engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all the organization's network systems, conducting regular configuration and maintenance to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities that may pose risks for the company's integrity. Network security engineers manage security threats and strategize resolutions to mitigate the reoccurrence of security issues. They also develop security enhancement recommendations, update network infrastructure, and monitor system activities. A network security engineer should have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes.

What does an administrator do?

Administrators are administrative professionals who oversee the whole office or department. They manage office activities and supervise administrative functions in the office. They work the office calendar and oversee the appointment-setting process. They coordinate office events and ensure that all preparations are made and that there are no conflicting schedules. They also maintain a database of external providers of various office needs. Administrators also oversee office supplies and prepare purchase requisitions. They also manage janitorial services and other functions that are related to the maintenance of the physical office space. Administrators ensure that all fixtures and equipment in the office are functioning well and have no problems.

Network security engineer vs administrator salary

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

	Network Security Engineer	Administrator
Average salary	$88,322	$72,882
Salary range	Between $64,000 And $120,000	Between $46,000 And $113,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	The Knot	Apple
Best paying industry	Retail	Manufacturing

Differences between network security engineer and administrator education

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

	Network Security Engineer	Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Computer Science	Business
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	University of Pennsylvania

Network security engineer vs administrator demographics

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

	Network Security Engineer	Administrator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3%	Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 8.8% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between network security engineer and administrator duties and responsibilities

Network security engineer example responsibilities.

Add and manage nodes in SolarWinds for monitoring purposes using SNMP v1/v2/v3.
Work with VMware NSX with deployment of greenfield environment and managing and troubleshooting issues with NSX.
Interact successfully with both program leads and DoD customer to ensure objectives are completed on time.
Experience in managing and troubleshooting Linux or Unix base operating systems.
Manage information technology security, including backups, firewalls, and routers.
Design and manage information systems security policy, implementation, and management for a globally distribute MPLS infrastructure.

Administrator example responsibilities.

Develop a Perl script to manage the LDAP schema.
Hire and manage all receptionists and assistant MCA's.
Used all tools of Java stack in supporting and managing it.
Manage and process product orders on windows base on-line computer network system.
Manage ADP time system for technicians and approve time-off requests, supporting management.
Manage professional staff of 9 (including 5 MDs) and support staff of 10

Network security engineer vs administrator skills

Common network security engineer skills

Network Security, 10%
Windows, 5%
Cisco Asa, 4%
Switches, 4%
Linux, 4%
Troubleshoot, 3%

Common administrator skills

Customer Service, 18%
Data Entry, 7%
Troubleshoot, 6%
Payroll, 6%
Financial Reports, 4%
Oversight, 4%

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Network Security Engineer vs Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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