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The differences between principal network engineers and principal 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 a principal engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a principal engineer has an average salary of $130,213, which is higher than the $112,094 average annual salary of a principal network engineer.
The top three skills for a principal network engineer include linux, lan wan and network infrastructure. The most important skills for a principal engineer are java, architecture, and python.
| Principal Network Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $112,094 | $130,213 |
| Hourly rate | $53.89 | $62.60 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 107,276 | 312,683 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| 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.
A principal engineer is responsible for monitoring the overall design phase of the construction process, including coordinating with the client for progress and updates, as well as performing adjustments as needed based on clients' specifications and requirements. Principal engineers also inspect the materials and resources used to ensure that the project stays within the budget goals and set timeframe. They should have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in preparing reports and training new staff.
Principal network engineers and principal engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Network Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Average salary | $112,094 | $130,213 |
| Salary range | Between $86,000 And $145,000 | Between $95,000 And $177,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sunnyvale, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Walmart | Grubhub |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a principal network engineer and a principal engineer in terms of educational background:
| Principal Network Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between principal network engineers' and principal engineers' demographics:
| Principal Network Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.6% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 5% |