Network Engineer vs. Database Administrator: What Are the Differences?

Network engineers and database administrators are both responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of computer systems. Though their duties may overlap, these two positions have distinct focus areas. In this article, we compare and contrast the job responsibilities, educational requirements and career outlooks for network engineers and database administrators.

What is a Network Engineer?

Network Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining computer networks. They work with network hardware and software to ensure that all users have the necessary access to information and resources. Network Engineers troubleshoot network problems and work to improve network performance. They also create and test network disaster recovery plans to ensure that the network can be quickly restored in the event of an outage. Network Engineers typically work in office environments, but may also travel to client sites as needed.

What is a Database Administrator?

Database Administrators are responsible for the performance, integrity and security of a company’s databases. They may also be responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining database management systems. Database Administrators typically work in an office environment, but may be required to travel to different locations to work with clients or other IT staff. They typically work full-time, but some Database Administrators may work overtime or on-call to meet deadlines or resolve issues.

Network Engineer vs. Database Administrator

Here are the main differences between a network engineer and a database administrator.

Job Duties

Although both database administrators and network engineers have technical responsibilities, their day-to-day tasks differ. Database administrators are responsible for maintaining the integrity of an organization’s databases. This includes performing maintenance on them, monitoring performance and troubleshooting issues that users report. Network engineers are also responsible for maintaining the functionality of a network, but they do so in different ways. A network engineer might design a new network infrastructure, install software updates or troubleshoot connectivity issues.

Job Requirements

Network engineers and database administrators typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or another related field. They might also pursue a master’s degree to qualify for more advanced positions. Many employers prefer candidates who have experience working with the specific type of software they will be using on the job. For example, a network engineer might need experience working with Cisco networking products, while a database administrator might need experience with Oracle databases. Network engineers and database administrators can also earn certifications to demonstrate their skills to potential employers.

Work Environment

Database administrators typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to client locations. They often spend their days sitting at a desk and using a computer. Network engineers can also work in an office environment, but they may also travel to different sites to install or repair equipment. They may also spend time outdoors working on telecommunications equipment.

Skills

Both network engineers and database administrators use technical skills to perform their jobs. However, network engineers typically focus on designing and implementing computer networks, while database administrators focus on developing and managing databases.

Network engineers need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts, such as protocols, topologies and architectures. They also benefit from having problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues with networks. Database administrators need to have a strong understanding of database management systems and how they work. They also need to be able to write SQL queries to retrieve data from databases.

Both network engineers and database administrators need to have good communication skills. Network engineers need to be able to communicate with other members of the IT team to coordinate the implementation of new networks. Database administrators need to be able to communicate with users to understand their needs and ensure that they are able to access the data they need.

Salary

Network engineers earn an average salary of $91,254 per year, while database administrators earn an average salary of $90,558 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.