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The differences between principal network engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a principal network engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a principal network engineer has an average salary of $112,094, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a principal network engineer include linux, lan wan and network infrastructure. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Principal Network Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $112,094 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $53.89 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 107,276 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
In the information technology industry, a principal network engineer specializes in designing and developing networks and systems in adherence to client or company needs. Their responsibilities include gathering and analyzing data, developing standard procedures and test structures, performing installations and upgrades, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing networks, and implementing solutions against its vulnerable areas. They may also conduct regular maintenance checks and repairs, provide technical support to staff, and train junior engineers. Moreover, they must lead and encourage information technology teams to reach goals while enforcing the company's security policies and regulations.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Principal network engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Network Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $112,094 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $86,000 And $145,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sunnyvale, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Walmart | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a principal network engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Principal Network Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between principal network engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Principal Network Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 11.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 5% |