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The differences between security system engineers 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 system engineer, becoming a network security engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a security system engineer has an average salary of $103,018, which is higher than the $88,322 average annual salary of a network security engineer.
The top three skills for a security system engineer include architecture, NIST and DOD. The most important skills for a network security engineer are network security, windows, and cisco asa.
| Security System Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $103,018 | $88,322 |
| Hourly rate | $49.53 | $42.46 |
| Growth rate | 32% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 97,083 | 91,892 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
The primary job of a security system engineer is to design computer systems that can prevent disruptions, such as cyberattacks and natural disasters. You will engineer, implement, and monitor security measures to protect computer networks, systems, and information. In addition, you will identify and define the requirements for system security and design computer security architecture. Other duties that you will perform include preparing and documenting standard operating protocols and procedures, configuring and troubleshooting security infrastructure, and developing security tools to help minimize computer security vulnerabilities.
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 system engineers and network security engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Security System Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Average salary | $103,018 | $88,322 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $141,000 | Between $64,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Credit Karma | The Knot |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Retail |
There are a few differences between a security system engineer and a network security engineer in terms of educational background:
| Security System Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between security system engineers' and network security engineers' demographics:
| Security System Engineer | Network Security Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4% | 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% |