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The differences between principal network engineers and senior 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 senior engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a principal network engineer has an average salary of $112,094, which is higher than the $108,743 average annual salary of a senior engineer.
The top three skills for a principal network engineer include linux, lan wan and network infrastructure. The most important skills for a senior engineer are java, python, and architecture.
| Principal Network Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $112,094 | $108,743 |
| Hourly rate | $53.89 | $52.28 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 107,276 | 343,200 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 senior engineer is responsible for overseeing all operations within a designated area. With years of experience and expertise, a senior engineer may take charge of establishing goals, deadlines, and budgets for a particular project. They must devise and implement strategies that would improve the quality of workflow and deliver significant results. Furthermore, a senior manager must also supervise a team of skilled engineers, leading them in the joint effort to reach the company's vision and mission, all while adhering to the safety standards and regulations.
Principal network engineers and senior engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Network Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Average salary | $112,094 | $108,743 |
| Salary range | Between $86,000 And $145,000 | Between $82,000 And $144,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sunnyvale, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Walmart | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a principal network engineer and a senior engineer in terms of educational background:
| Principal Network Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between principal network engineers' and senior engineers' demographics:
| Principal Network Engineer | Senior Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 7.9% Asian, 17.1% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 5% |