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The differences between network security engineers and computer engineers 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 a computer engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $88,322 average annual salary of a network security engineer.
The top three skills for a network security engineer include network security, windows and cisco asa. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Network Security Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $88,322 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $42.46 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 91,892 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
A computer engineer is someone who examines, designs, and manages computer hardware and software systems. He/She or she helps in solving issues or any concerns that may occur with the computer's hardware and software as well as assists in the innovation of computer technology. Computer engineers are responsible for computer hardware design, development, research, and test computer systems. They examine components like circuit boards, processors, memory devices, routers, and networks. While, those working with the computer software are in charge of the development, design, and administration of software programs.
Network security engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Security Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $88,322 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $120,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Knot | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between a network security engineer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Network Security Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between network security engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Network Security Engineer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| 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, 10.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 15.0% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 11% |