Network Administrator vs. Network Engineer: Key Differences and Similarities

January 3, 2025

Network engineers and network administrators share many commonalities. They are so similar that in smaller organizations, one individual may perform the functions of both job roles. However, the two job titles imply slight differences, primarily related to the level of experience an IT professional has.

What is a network administrator?

Network administrators are IT professionals who monitor and maintain computer infrastructures. They schedule network repairs and execute cybersecurity programs. Additionally, these technicians can support desktop computers and other networked devices.

Those in a network admin role usually have knowledge of IT systems and information systems. They ensure smooth network operations, strengthen an organization's network security, and implement network policies and procedures.

Responsibilities of a network administrator

The responsibilities of those in a network administrator role are largely related to the maintenance of network systems and the day-to-day operations of computer networks.

Here are some responsibilities most network administrator job descriptions include:

Installing and maintaining networks and hardware systems
Monitoring networks to maintain availability and speed
Diagnosing network problems and repairing issues with connectivity
Managing permissions
Managing backup systems for the network

Network administrators are also responsible for maintaining computer system infrastructure and computer network infrastructure. They improve network security by implementing physical and virtual security measures. These IT pros also audit networks and perform upgrades.

Skills required for network administrators

Network administrators should possess the following skills:

Routing protocol setup
Server maintenance
Business continuity
Data security enforcement
Configuration management
Repairs and maintenance
Online software provisioning
Installing network firewalls and security devices
Storage management
Network performance optimization
End-user support
Understanding of routers, switches, and networked communications

A network administrator should also be capable of using network management systems to improve network performance and security. Other professional skills that benefit network administrators include time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

What is a network engineer?

Have you ever wondered what type of information technology professional decides an organization's network requirements? A network engineer is one such professional.

Network engineers test computer system functionality. They're responsible for crafting, implementing, and supporting communication networks. Just a few of these networks include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), intranets, and wireless networks.

Moreover, network engineers understand cloud networking architecture, automation, and virtualization. It's not uncommon for them to eventually step into a project management role.

The role of network engineer comes after an IT professional has significant experience as a network administrator. This is why network administrators and network engineers share so much overlap in their skill sets. Because of their experience, a network engineer is a more senior IT pro than a network administrator.

Roles and responsibilities of a network engineer

Network engineers have responsibilities beyond designing, deploying, managing, and troubleshooting network systems that support an organization's lifecycle. However, the responsibilities, skills, and experience an IT professional gains as a network administrator are the building blocks of the network engineer role.

A network engineer is tasked with:

Analyzing network traffic and forecasting growth to assess future needs
Presenting their plans to those in leadership positions
Explaining to organizational leaders how their plans can meet the needs of the organization
Having knowledge of cybersecurity and understanding how it interferes with networks
Learning about new technologies and choosing the best options for an organization
Installing and managing equipment like cables, wires, switches and routers
Implementing security programs

A network engineer's responsibilities can include working with network administrators, usually as a mentor, leader, or manager. Both network administrators and network engineers may collaborate with other IT pros like software engineers, telecommunications engineers, and systems administrators to keep networks and computer systems secure and operating efficiently.

Skills required for a network engineer

To carry out their daily tasks, network engineers must have several targeted skills. They need a thorough understanding of cloud computing, computer engineering, and network architecture. Knowledge of programming languages, network security, and troubleshooting is also essential. You can gain this knowledge and related skills through degree programs, IT certifications, and work experience as a network administrator. Network engineers must also have professional competencies like communication and analytical skills.

Because IT pros are promoted from network administrator to network engineer, a network engineer's skill set includes the network administration competencies listed earlier. As network administrators gain work experience, they naturally build network engineering skills until they have the knowledge to move into a network engineer role.

Subtle differences between network administrators and network engineers

There are more similarities between network engineers and network administrators than differences as network engineers are essentially advanced network administrators. But there are some differences between the roles.

Network administrators and network engineers can have different focuses

Network engineers and network administrators share numerous skills and responsibilities. However, network engineers primarily focus on configuring and developing a computer network, whereas network administrators generally spend more time guaranteeing and maintaining the network.

Network administrators and network engineers have slightly different education levels

Levels of education vary from IT pro to IT pro, regardless of their role. However, statistically, network engineers tend to have a slightly higher level of education than network administrators.

The career information firm Zippia provides details about typical education levels for both job roles. For network administrators, 55% of network administrators have a bachelor's degree, 30% have an associate degree, and 7% have a master's degree. For network engineers, 62% have a bachelor's degree, 21% have an associate degree, and 10% have a master's degree.

Employers who require network administrators and network engineers to have a degree often look for a credential in information or computer science or a related field. It's worth noting that some employers do not require a candidate with sufficient experience and certifications to have a degree.

Network administrators and network engineers earn different salaries

The median annual salary reflects the different levels of skill and experience between network engineers and network administrators. According to CompTIA's Careers+, the median annual salary for network administrators is $90,000, and the median annual salary for network engineers is $130,000. As with all technical roles, salary can be impacted by industry, geographic location, and other factors.

Network engineers can have more authority than network administrators

Because network engineers have more experience than network administrators, it's not uncommon for them to be assigned managerial duties. Network administrators are not usually put in managerial roles. Network engineers can be a source of knowledge and direction for network administrators and help them advance their careers, especially in the context of mentorship.

Job outlook for network administrators and network engineers

If an organization uses more than one software platform or computer, it needs a network administrator and a network engineer. This holds true for both small and large organizations. That's why the demand for these IT pros is on the rise.

According to the CompTIA State of the Tech Workforce 2024 report, the number of network administrators is expected to grow 9% between 2024 and 2034. The number of network architects (which would include the more advanced role of network engineer) is expected to grow 10%. While these growth rates are not as dramatic as growth rates in areas such as data or cybersecurity, there are many more existing network professionals currently working, so these growth rates still result in big numbers.

How CompTIA Network+ can benefit networking pros

No matter where you are on your computer networking career path, CompTIA Network+ can help you.

CompTIA Network+ is one of the best certifications for computer networking. By earning CompTIA Network+, networking pros can prove their skills to employers and negotiate a promotion or higher salary. Those interested in getting into computer networking can use CompTIA Network+ to land an entry-level job in the field.

With CompTIA Network+, you'll learn the fundamentals of networking, network security, network implementations, network troubleshooting, and network operations.

The CompTIA Network+ certification exam covers:

Establishing network connectivity by deploying wired and wireless devices
Understanding and maintaining network documentation
Understanding the purpose of network services, basic data center, cloud, and virtual networking concepts
Monitoring network activity, identifying network performance and availability issues
Implementing network hardening techniques
Managing, configuring, and troubleshooting network infrastructure

These are the essential competencies both network administrators and network engineers should possess. Looking to land a role as a network administrator? Or are you ready to level up and be promoted to network engineer? Take a look at how CompTIA Network+ can help you get there.

Get the in-demand skills you need with CompTIA certifications and training solutions.