“Successful people have fear, successful people have doubts, and successful people have worries. They just don’t let these feelings stop them.” – T. Harv Eker.
The modern world is highly innovative. Each step has to be planned before impelling. Or else it will bring consequences. So, accordingly, before opting for any professional career, you must consider several factors. Thus, this article highlights significant differences from the career prospects of IT professionals for job roles like Network Engineer and Network Administrator.
However, network engineers and network administrators are based on computer systems and communications systems operating functions. And are responsible for the timely construction and operation of networks. However, some tasks and requirements are the same, specific professional roles. And responsibilities of a network engineer and network administrators are comparatively opposite.
Hence, I have researched specific steps considering all critical factors of each. So, have a comprehensive overview of both before seeking a professional career.
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6 Top Differences of Network Engineer & Network Administrator
Although network engineers and network administrators both imply the functioning of information technology professionals. Some of their duties do overlap. However, it has been found that network engineer has greater responsibility. And a broader scope of work. Is that true? Let’s have a quick look at the below-analyzed points.
Job Description : Network Engineer Vs. Network Administrator
Network engineers are responsible for designing and construction for computer communications or telecommunications. Moreover, they are in charge of electronic equipment used to activate each piece of equipment. Thus, being a network engineer, you are held responsible for:
- Creating a technology budget
- Enhancing network performance
- Installing new servers
- Integrating new technology into the network
- Managing the equipment in the network
- Researching new technologies
- Testing systems for functionality
- Troubleshooting network problems
On the other hand, Network administrators, also known as systems administrators, are running and maintaining. The network once it is turned up. Additionally, they are responsible for handling new software installations, software compatibility problems, and any system problems. Therefore, individuals willing to undertake this job role must spend a lot of time in front of computers monitoring, along with additional responsibilities, such as:
- Documenting systems standards
- Installing and configuring firewalls
- Monitoring LAN or WAN network devices
- Monitoring network infrastructure stability
- Operating network management systems
- Overseeing specific technology implementations
- Reporting on system performance
- Running security checks
- Scheduling network repairs
- Setting up VPN tunnels
Career Paths:Network Engineer Vs. Network Administrator
A network engineer is the highest-paid professional career than a network administrator. Thus, a network engineer can opt for areas of IT, infrastructure project management, or other positions like:
- Lead network controller, managing complex data communication systems
- An Network automation specialist, finding ways to automate physical and virtual devices
- Network consultant, analysing networks for clients and suggesting improvements
- Networks manager, overseeing everything related to an organisation’s computer network
- The Network security manager, protecting an organisation’s network
- Network team leader, managing a team of network specialists
- Senior network engineer, overseeing all workflows related to network engineering
Individuals opt for positions like IT system administrator network analyst. Or junior network administrator positions for the entry-level network administrator. However, with skills and experiences, they can get into advanced career opportunities like:
- Cloud security engineer, providing security for cloud-based networks
- Cloud system administrator, maximising the value of cloud computing systems
- Information systems manager, handling the tech needs of a department or organisation
- Network architect, designing network infrastructure
- Network security engineer, installing and configuring protective software and hardware
- Senior network administrator, managing a team of admins and possibly also engineers
Industrial Hiring: Network Engineer Vs. Network Administrator:
According to top hiring platform, leading companies that highly demands networks engineering professionals are:
- Amazon
- AT&T
- Cisco Systems
- NVIDIA
- Sprint
- Verizon
Similarly, as per the research network, administrators are hired highly by reputed organizations, such as:
- Accenture
- Apple
- HCL Technologies
- US Marine Corps
- Tata Consultancy
- US Air Force
The Network Engineer Vs. Network Administrator: Educational Requirements
The US Bureau of Labour Statistics reports researched that recruiters prefer individuals with appropriate bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Thus, most hiring firms also value other experience, skills, and certifications in the relevant field, adding considerable value.
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However, you already know that it is crucial to pursue a degree in IT systems, computer science, computer engineering, or network administration. which will help you overcome competition in job markets and get hired for executive positions.
For example, degree courses and certification provided by top universities like the Georgia Institute of Technology (Main Campus) and Rochester Institute of the Technology University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh are given high importance by top organisations.
Network Engineer Vs. Network Administrator: Skills and Competencies
A network engineers design, implement, and maintain communication within a company and have advanced coding skills. Additionally, individuals must excel in computer coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and C+. Thus, engineers are responsible for the company’s needs and concerns and must formulate best database practices.
Simultaneously, the network administrator needs to design networks and extensions to networks. Unlike network engineers, they must be skilled with bandwidth requirements, infrastructure requirements, security, and potential network expansion. Hence, individuals must look ahead with innovative network design for the company’s growth.
The Network Engineer Vs. Network Administrator: Salary Information
The salary structure of network engineers and network administrators varies according to skills, experience, and knowledge. Thus, the salary of both entry levels and experienced individuals depends on various factors.
As researched, the average salary of a network administrator is $71,296 per year. In contrast, the average salary of a network engineer is $102,763 per year. So, network engineers tend to earn more on average because their roles and responsibilities usually demand individuals with higher levels of education, work experience, and skills.
Parting Thoughts
Besides the above-listed crucial factors, we must not miss several pros and cons concerning network engineers and network administrator positions. So, summing up, here is a brief analysis of each.
Is network engineer best?
- The salary structure of network engineers is good and gets better with experiences
- Network engineer ideas matter in configuring and building technology
- Being a network engineer, you will learn about technology and expand your skill
- The downfall of an organisation is entirely on your hand
- A network engineer must be actively present regardless of job hours
- For network engineers, it can be hard to focus on upgrades and enhancements with an absence of support issues
Or network administrator is best?
- Network administrators are not limited; they can work anywhere in the world
- Network administrator work is often immediate and obvious
- Being a network administrator, you can enjoy relative autonomy
- Network administrator faces issues to resolve, making situation stressful
- A network administrator is responsible for determining all IT issues
- A network administrator has many addons in daily activities
Hence, with this article, you have been provided all information before seeking a professional career in IT as a network engineer or network administrator. You might adopt our Information Technology Assignment Help service or Engineering Assignment Help to endurance your academic career. I hope that you gain success in life. Good Luck!
