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The differences between wireless network engineers and network support 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 wireless network engineer and a network support engineer. Additionally, a wireless network engineer has an average salary of $101,117, which is higher than the $86,406 average annual salary of a network support engineer.
The top three skills for a wireless network engineer include RF, wireless network and switches. The most important skills for a network support engineer are switches, network support, and OSPF.
| Wireless Network Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $101,117 | $86,406 |
| Hourly rate | $48.61 | $41.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 43,368 | 113,476 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A Wireless Network Engineer specializes in designing and developing wireless telecommunication systems and networks. They are responsible for understanding the client or company's needs, performing installations and upgrades, configuring wireless equipment, conducting assessments and inspections, troubleshooting problems, and performing corrective measures and adjustments as necessary. They must also create strategies to optimize local wireless networks, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Wireless Network Engineers must manage and lead staff to reach goals, all while promoting and implementing the company's policies and regulations.
A network support engineer is an information technology expert who designs and develops computer systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Among their responsibilities include performing installations and upgrades, configuring networks, troubleshooting issues, gathering and analyzing data to identify areas needing improvement, and recommending strategies to optimize network operations. They must also provide technical support to staff, address issues and concerns, conduct inspections, and perform repairs. Moreover, a network support engineer must regularly monitor networks while implementing the company's security and safety standards.
Wireless network engineers and network support engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wireless Network Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Average salary | $101,117 | $86,406 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $132,000 | Between $66,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between a wireless network engineer and a network support engineer in terms of educational background:
| Wireless Network Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between wireless network engineers' and network support engineers' demographics:
| Wireless Network Engineer | Network Support Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% | Male, 89.2% Female, 10.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 13.8% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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% |