Updated January 2023

It takes the efforts of many different professionals to set computer networks up and keep them operating smoothly and efficiently. Two of the most common roles are network administrator and network engineer.

But what’s the difference between them?

It gets a bit confusing because the two positions have a lot of overlap. And some companies treat them like one and the same.

However, generally speaking, engineers design and develop networks while administrators maintain and manage them.

This post offers a clear breakdown of the differences in job duties, salaries, training requirements, and more. Keep reading to see how network administrators and network engineers compare.