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The differences between principal network engineers and systems 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 systems engineer. Additionally, a principal network engineer has an average salary of $112,094, which is higher than the $82,834 average annual salary of a systems engineer.
The top three skills for a principal network engineer include linux, lan wan and network infrastructure. The most important skills for a systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.
| Principal Network Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $112,094 | $82,834 |
| Hourly rate | $53.89 | $39.82 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 107,276 | 145,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| 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.
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Principal network engineers and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Network Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $112,094 | $82,834 |
| Salary range | Between $86,000 And $145,000 | Between $62,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sunnyvale, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Walmart | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a principal network engineer and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Principal Network Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between principal network engineers' and systems engineers' demographics:
| Principal Network Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |