Network Support Engineer Vs Computer Engineer

The differences between network support engineers and computer 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 network support engineer and a computer engineer. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $86,406 average annual salary of a network support engineer.

The top three skills for a network support engineer include switches, network support and OSPF. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.

Network support engineer vs computer engineer overview

Network Support EngineerComputer Engineer
Yearly Salary$86,406$96,805
Hourly rate$41.54$46.54
Growth Rate5%10%
Number Of Jobs113,476126,709
Job Satisfaction--
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average Age4342
Years Of Experience22

What does a Network Support Engineer do?

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.

What does a computer engineer do?

A computer engineer is someone who examines, designs, and manages computer hardware and software systems. He/She or she helps in solving issues or any concerns that may occur with the computer's hardware and software as well as assists in the innovation of computer technology. Computer engineers are responsible for computer hardware design, development, research, and test computer systems. They examine components like circuit boards, processors, memory devices, routers, and networks. While, those working with the computer software are in charge of the development, design, and administration of software programs.

Network support engineer vs computer engineer salary

Network support engineers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Network Support EngineerComputer Engineer
Average Salary$86,406$96,805
Salary RangeBetween $66,000 And $112,000Between $70,000 And $132,000
Highest Paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest Paying StateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best Paying CompanyMetaWaymo
Best Paying IndustryTechnologyFinance

Differences between network support engineer and computer engineer education

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

Network Support EngineerComputer Engineer
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most Common MajorElectrical EngineeringComputer Engineering
Most Common CollegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaHarvard University

Network support engineer vs computer engineer demographics

Here are the differences between network support engineers' and computer engineers' demographics:

Network Support EngineerComputer Engineer
Average Age4342
Gender RatioMale, 89.2% Female, 10.8%Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7%
Race RatioBlack 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%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 15.0% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%11%

Differences between network support engineer and computer engineer duties and responsibilities

Network Support Engineer Example Responsibilities.

  • Manage, support, upgrade and administer DNS and DHCP for all devices on the network.
  • Manage a remote VOIP trial which include configuring and supporting customer premise equipment as well as carrier side equipment.
  • Manage and administrate security policy and procedures for all VPN network connectivity and accounts.
  • Create strong relationship with customers by resolving TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP relate problems through remote desktop and on site.
  • Use various forms of Linux operating systems to create firewalls, webservers, PBX, and VPN.
  • Set up VLANs and STP guards on core and access layer switches - change configurations when require.
  • Show More

Computer Engineer Example Responsibilities.

  • Manage electronic files using the PDM system.
  • Script VBA to automate the creation of installation documents.
  • Manage DNS and Kerberos infrastructure services for the computing center.
  • Manage and design UAT tests for new software release, delegate out tasks, and report results back to QA department.
  • Manage automation jobs within Jenkins.
  • Manage collaborative CSV documentation efforts using Microsoft SharePoint.
  • Show More

Network support engineer vs computer engineer skills

Common Network Support Engineer Skills
  • Switches, 7%
  • Network Support, 5%
  • OSPF, 4%
  • BGP, 4%
  • Technical Support, 4%
  • TCP/IP, 4%
Common Computer Engineer Skills
  • Python, 15%
  • Software Development, 8%
  • Java, 6%
  • Linux, 6%
  • C, 5%
  • C++, 5%

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