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Server engineer vs network engineer

The differences between server engineers and network 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 server engineer and a network engineer. Additionally, a server engineer has an average salary of $105,940, which is higher than the $83,557 average annual salary of a network engineer.

The top three skills for a server engineer include windows server, powershell and linux. The most important skills for a network engineer are switches, troubleshoot, and network infrastructure.

Server engineer vs network engineer overview

Server EngineerNetwork Engineer
Yearly salary$105,940$83,557
Hourly rate$50.93$40.17
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs142,17372,346
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a server engineer do?

A server engineer specializes in designing and developing server structures in a company, ensuring accuracy and client satisfaction. They typically work together with technicians and specialists to analyze and assess existing systems to identify their strengths and weaknesses, implement solutions in problem areas, provide technical support, and develop strategies to optimize operations. Furthermore, as a server engineer, they are also in charge of installing and performing regular maintenance checks on servers, coordinating corrective measures in a prompt and efficient manner.

What does a network engineer do?

A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs. They also check network defects, perform troubleshooting, improve data security systems, and install security updates. A network engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a broad understanding of system codes, programming languages, and network configurations.

Server engineer vs network engineer salary

Server engineers and network engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Server EngineerNetwork Engineer
Average salary$105,940$83,557
Salary rangeBetween $76,000 And $146,000Between $62,000 And $111,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAMenlo Park, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaThe Citadel
Best paying industryTelecommunicationTechnology

Differences between server engineer and network engineer education

There are a few differences between a server engineer and a network engineer in terms of educational background:

Server EngineerNetwork Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorComputer ScienceElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Server engineer vs network engineer demographics

Here are the differences between server engineers' and network engineers' demographics:

Server EngineerNetwork Engineer
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 91.9% Female, 8.1%Male, 90.6% Female, 9.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 12.1% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.7% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between server engineer and network engineer duties and responsibilities

Server engineer example responsibilities.

  • Work with SAN, database, network, and backup administrators to deploy and manage infrastructure as a team.
  • Maintain, monitor, manage and right size the VM environment using industry virtualization tools on a daily basis.
  • Deploy and manage Citrix environments utilizing publish desktops and publish applications to make available to users both internally and externally.
  • Convert to GC and DNS server and DHCP server.
  • Used PowerShell to script DNS changes on all servers in company.
  • Build networks from the ground up and select the server hardware OS and software base on the customer needs.
  • Show more

Network engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage UCCE deployments which include CUCM, IPIVR, CVP , 3rd party reporting and CUIC.
  • Manage UNIX's projects to meet project dateline while solving daily network crisis.
  • Perform the tasks of designing, implementing, supporting, and managing networking and telecommunication infrastructure.
  • Manage all domain registrations, SSL certificate management.
  • Create locally manage and centrally manage gateways on checkpoint firewall.
  • Manage and administrate security policy and procedures for all VPN network connectivity and accounts.
  • Show more

Server engineer vs network engineer skills

Common server engineer skills
  • Windows Server, 10%
  • PowerShell, 6%
  • Linux, 5%
  • Java, 5%
  • Microsoft Windows, 4%
  • SAN, 3%
Common network engineer skills
  • Switches, 7%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%
  • Network Infrastructure, 4%
  • BGP, 4%
  • OSPF, 4%
  • Lan Wan, 4%

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