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The differences between principal network engineers and network security 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 principal network engineer and a network security engineer. Additionally, a principal network engineer has an average salary of $112,094, which is higher than the $88,322 average annual salary of a network security engineer.
The top three skills for a principal network engineer include linux, lan wan and network infrastructure. The most important skills for a network security engineer are network security, windows, and cisco asa.
| Principal Network Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $112,094 | $88,322 |
| Hourly rate | $53.89 | $42.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 107,276 | 91,892 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| 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 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.
Principal network engineers and network security engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Network Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Average salary | $112,094 | $88,322 |
| Salary range | Between $86,000 And $145,000 | Between $64,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sunnyvale, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Walmart | The Knot |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between a principal network engineer and a network security engineer in terms of educational background:
| Principal Network Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between principal network engineers' and network security engineers' demographics:
| Principal Network Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% |
| 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, 8.0% 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% |