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The differences between wireless network engineers and network support technicians 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 technician. Additionally, a wireless network engineer has an average salary of $101,117, which is higher than the $48,622 average annual salary of a network support technician.
The top three skills for a wireless network engineer include RF, wireless network and switches. The most important skills for a network support technician are troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service.
| Wireless Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $101,117 | $48,622 |
| Hourly rate | $48.61 | $23.38 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 43,368 | 120,245 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| 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 technician specializes in optimizing a company's information technology (IT) networks for a smooth and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting, installing systems, executing upgrades, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing corrective measures as needed. They must also coordinate with staff in developing new IT systems, evaluate existing networks for areas needing improvement, and develop protocols while adhering to the company's policies and regulations. Furthermore, as a network support technician, it is essential to maintain regular network maintenance checks to ensure the security and safety of company data.
Wireless network engineers and network support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wireless Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $101,117 | $48,622 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $132,000 | Between $38,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Troy, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Meta | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between a wireless network engineer and a network support technician in terms of educational background:
| Wireless Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between wireless network engineers' and network support technicians' demographics:
| Wireless Network Engineer | Network Support Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| 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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.7% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |