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The differences between network security engineers and network support 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 network support engineer. Additionally, a network security engineer has an average salary of $88,322, which is higher than the $86,406 average annual salary of a network support engineer.
The top three skills for a network security engineer include network security, windows and cisco asa. The most important skills for a network support engineer are switches, network support, and OSPF.
| Network Security Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $88,322 | $86,406 |
| Hourly rate | $42.46 | $41.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 91,892 | 113,476 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| 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 network support engineer is an information technology expert who designs and develops computer systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Among their responsibilities include performing installations and upgrades, configuring networks, troubleshooting issues, gathering and analyzing data to identify areas needing improvement, and recommending strategies to optimize network operations. They must also provide technical support to staff, address issues and concerns, conduct inspections, and perform repairs. Moreover, a network support engineer must regularly monitor networks while implementing the company's security and safety standards.
Network security engineers and network support engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Security Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Average salary | $88,322 | $86,406 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $120,000 | Between $66,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Knot | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between a network security engineer and a network support engineer in terms of educational background:
| Network Security Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between network security engineers' and network support engineers' demographics:
| Network Security Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 89.2% Female, 10.8% |
| 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, 8.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 13.9% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |