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The differences between principal network engineers and network architects can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a principal network engineer and a network architect. Additionally, a principal network engineer has an average salary of $112,094, which is higher than the $105,375 average annual salary of a network architect.
The top three skills for a principal network engineer include linux, lan wan and network infrastructure. The most important skills for a network architect are architecture, BGP, and network infrastructure.
| Principal Network Engineer | Network Architect | |
| Yearly salary | $112,094 | $105,375 |
| Hourly rate | $53.89 | $50.66 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 107,276 | 96,500 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
A network architect is an information technology expert specializing in designing and developing network systems for a company. Their responsibilities typically include performing research and analysis to identify and understand the network needs of a company, planning and performing installations and implementation, establishing guidelines and timelines, upgrading systems, and developing strategies to enhance network operations. Moreover, a network architect must implement security policies and regulations, conduct regular maintenance checks, and perform repairs and modifications to maintain a smooth and efficient workflow.
Principal network engineers and network architects have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Network Engineer | Network Architect | |
| Average salary | $112,094 | $105,375 |
| Salary range | Between $86,000 And $145,000 | Between $75,000 And $146,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sunnyvale, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Walmart | Anaplan |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Professional |
There are a few differences between a principal network engineer and a network architect in terms of educational background:
| Principal Network Engineer | Network Architect | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between principal network engineers' and network architects' demographics:
| Principal Network Engineer | Network Architect | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3% |
| 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, 8.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 12.3% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |