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The differences between wireless network engineers and systems 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 systems engineer. Additionally, a wireless network engineer has an average salary of $101,117, which is higher than the $82,834 average annual salary of a systems engineer.
The top three skills for a wireless network engineer include RF, wireless network and switches. The most important skills for a systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.
| Wireless Network Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $101,117 | $82,834 |
| Hourly rate | $48.61 | $39.82 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 43,368 | 145,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| 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.
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Wireless network engineers and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Wireless Network Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $101,117 | $82,834 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $132,000 | Between $62,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a wireless network engineer and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Wireless Network Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between wireless network engineers' and systems engineers' demographics:
| Wireless Network Engineer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |