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The differences between security architects and network security engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a security architect, becoming a network security engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a security architect has an average salary of $128,636, which is higher than the $88,322 average annual salary of a network security engineer.
The top three skills for a security architect include cloud security, architecture and cloud. The most important skills for a network security engineer are network security, windows, and cisco asa.
| Security Architect | Network Security Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $128,636 | $88,322 |
| Hourly rate | $61.84 | $42.46 |
| Growth rate | 32% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 127,619 | 91,892 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
A security architect specializes in designing and establishing security systems and measures to protect a company and its clients from hackers or cyber-attacks. Their responsibilities revolve around reviewing existing security systems to determine areas needing improvement, implementing upgrades, and devising strategies to identify a company's information technology needs. A security architect may also provide instructional materials to employees on utilizing the security systems, respond to inquiries and concerns, and perform maintenance tests as needed. Furthermore, should there be any incidents of breaches, it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation to prevent it from happening again.
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.
Security architects and network security engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Security Architect | Network Security Engineer | |
| Average salary | $128,636 | $88,322 |
| Salary range | Between $92,000 And $179,000 | Between $64,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Pennsylvania | California |
| Best paying company | The Knot | The Knot |
| Best paying industry | - | Retail |
There are a few differences between a security architect and a network security engineer in terms of educational background:
| Security Architect | Network Security Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between security architects' and network security engineers' demographics:
| Security Architect | Network Security Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.5% Female, 9.5% | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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% |