Who makes more money? networking or computer tech?

Question

i going to start my associate degree this upcoming fall. just wondering what to go for. I definitely want to do something with computers. the local college offer these 2 programs that i am interested in but not sure what i would be doing once i get out and how much it starts or pay. please answer. below is the list of classes im going to have to take for each program. so please answer their salaries and what can i do with each degree. thanks ahead.

Computer Engineering Technology Degree
2007-08
Course Listing

CET 110 Principles of Electricity and Electronics 3
CET 125 Digital Logic I 3
CET 140 Microcomputers – Introduction 3
CET 185 Introduction to Operating Systems 2
CET 230 Local Area Networking I 3
CET 235 Cisco CCNA Networking I 3
CET 250 Security + 3
CET 260 A+ Computer Diagnostics and Repair 3
CET 270 Local Area Networking II–Server+ 3
CET 278 Fundamentals of Wireless LANs 3
CET 281 Operating Systems – Windows System Admin. 3
CET 282 Operating Systems – UNIX 3
CP 101 C++ Programming I 3
MATH 119 Applied Algebra/Trigonometry II 3

PHYS 111 Introductory Physics
or 114 Applied Physics 4




Computer Networking


2007-08
Course Listing

CET 210 Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional 3
CET 227 Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition 3
CET 235 Cisco CCNA Networking I 3
CET 236 Cisco CCNA Networking II 3
CET 275 Cisco CCNA Networking III 3
CET 276 Cisco CCNA Networking IV 3
CET 282 Operating Systems—UNIX 3
CET 290 Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment 3
CET 291 Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure 3
CET 293 Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure 3
CET 294 Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003Active Directory Infrastructure 3
CET 298 Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network 3
CET 299 Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Server 2003 Network 3
MATH 119 Applied Algebra/Trigonometry II 3
PHYS 111
or 114 Introductory Physics
Applied Physics 4

Answer 1

This is a really, really good question.



On the one hand, I would tend to say that network guys are paid more and can move ahead faster. On the other, it is easier to get a job as a computer tech. There are still 2 pieces of information missing though:

1. Is this a 1 or 2 year endeavor? If 2 years, the listings for the second year are important as well.

2. Where are you in the world



Looking at it purely from the perspective of the courses you are written there, I would think the second option would make more sense. This is because the first one seems to have a single programming class and a few single classes on microcircuit design, but you are very unlikely to use those in real-life. You would if you were in a 2+ year course focusing on them, but for the amount you will be taught in either class it just wouldn't make sense.



Now, with that said, I would encourage you on a few things:

1. It is important to get a basic understanding of computer hardware. If you don't have a firm understanding, perhaps study for the A+ in your spare time.

2. I would also read through the Server+ book in your spare time as well to get an idea of the some of the differences in hardware classes.

3. Try to make sure you have a CCNA when/right after you finish your classes. Then do everything in your power to study for the CCNP exams.



So... yeah. If you need to guarantee yourself a job right out of school, the first one. If you can potentially wait a bit after though, the second should get you a bit more $ and move you along a little faster. Companies can hire any guy out of highschool to tend to their desktops, but the same is not true for networks. Feel free to contact me if you have some follow-up questions as well.

Answer 2

Networking will make you more money but the sad truth is that you need experenice for many of those jobs. You start out as a computer tech and then move up from there. If you get the networking degree you can still do all the computer tech jobs if you are good with computers. By the way, good choice in careers, I am a computer and network support specialist and I love it. :)

Answer 3

Network admins usually get paid more. However, if you don't have a solid educational foundation or the experience as a technician you won't be as competitive or as skilled as someone who worked their way up.



Go for "Computer Engineering Technology Degree" and later on move into networks. Computer jobs are always going to be available for the skilled and experienced.



Completely self taught since 5th grade. Don't have a degree but I'm very skilled. My experience is my edge and nobody can take that from me. Build a solid foundation and work your way up. The money will come when you prove yourself in the real world :-)



There are more tech jobs then network jobs. Just look at the course list for both degrees. The first one is more universal. Networking is more specialized which means less opportunities but better pay.



Decide weather you want greater opportunities or a specialized field.



As a tech you can work as a depot tech, customer support, tech support agent, system analyst, sales, Internet based business, hardware and software repair, custom building, web master related work ect.. many more options ..



As a network tech it's mostly working at data centers, business corporations and small businesses.



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I know money is important but do what you love. Don't let money determine your career path.