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2026 comparison

IT Support Technician vs Network Engineer salary in South Africa

Compare salary, demand, difficulty, and long-term growth to choose the right career path.

Quick answer

IT Support Technician vs Network Engineer in South Africa

Higher paying career
Network Engineer
Monthly difference
R45 000
Easier to enter
IT Support Technician
Better long-term
Network Engineer

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Network Engineer (+R45 000/month)
Easier entry
IT Support Technician
Best long-term
Network Engineer
Verdict

Choose Network Engineer if your goal is higher income and long-term growth.

Choose IT Support Technician if your goal is faster entry and lower barriers.

Career overview

IT Support Technician

Demand: 9/10

Salary guide
Requirements

N+ / A+ / IT diploma.

  • A+ / N+
  • Customer service
  • Patience and clear communication
Salary
EntryR12 000
MidR30 000
SeniorR45 000
Top 20%R65 000

Network Engineer

Demand: 8/10

Salary guide
Requirements

IT networking diploma, degree or vendor certification route.

  • Networking fundamentals
  • Firewall exposure
  • Vendor certifications
Salary
EntryR22 000
MidR58 000
SeniorR90 000
Top 20%R135 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
IT Support TechnicianR12 000
Network EngineerR22 000
Mid
IT Support TechnicianR30 000
Network EngineerR58 000
Senior
IT Support TechnicianR45 000
Network EngineerR90 000
Top 20%
IT Support TechnicianR65 000
Network EngineerR135 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

IT Support Technician (9/10)9/10
Network Engineer (8/10)8/10

Difficulty

IT Support Technician (3/10)3/10
Network Engineer (7/10)7/10
Salary difference
+R45 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R45 000 per month. Network Engineer earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Network Engineer salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Network Engineer pays more, with senior salaries around R90 000 per month compared to R45 000 for IT Support Technician.

Which is easier to enter?

IT Support Technician is easier to enter due to lower difficulty and more accessible requirements.

Which is better long-term?

Network Engineer offers stronger long-term potential based on higher salary ceilings and demand.

Detailed comparison

When comparing IT Support Technician vs Network Engineer in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R45 000 per month.

IT Support Technician is better for quicker entry into the workforce. Network Engineer is better for long-term earnings and career growth.

Skills and requirements

IT Support Technician

Core skills
  • Hardware troubleshootingHigh
  • Windows / Office 365High
  • Active DirectoryMedium

Network Engineer

Core skills
  • Routing / switchingHigh
  • FirewallsHigh
  • Network securityHigh
  • Cisco / FortinetMedium
  • TroubleshootingHigh

Side by side

Hardware troubleshooting
IT Support Technician needs this
Less central
Windows / Office 365
IT Support Technician needs this
Less central
Active Directory
IT Support Technician needs this
Less central
Routing / switching
Less central
Network Engineer needs this
Firewalls
Less central
Network Engineer needs this
Network security
Less central
Network Engineer needs this

Career progression

IT Support Technician

HelpdeskR16 000
IT Support TechR30 000
Senior SupportR45 000
SysadminR65 000

Network Engineer

Junior Network TechnicianR28 000
Network EngineerR58 000
Senior Network EngineerR90 000
Network ArchitectR120 000

Related insights

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