Life As a Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Network & Computer Systems Administrator Example Install, configure, and support an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.

Network & Computer Systems Administrator Responsibilities

• Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.
• Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
• Research new technologies by attending seminars, reading trade articles, or taking classes, and implement or recommend the implementation of new technologies.
• Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.

Network & Computer Systems Administrator Needed Skills

Network and Computer Systems Administrators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Other Network & Computer Systems Administrator Job Titles

• Information Systems Administrator
• Unix Administrator
• Network Administrator
• Network Support Administrator
• Application Systems Administrator

Is There Job Demand for Network and Computer Systems Administrators?

In the United States, there were 391,300 jobs for Network and Computer Systems Administrator in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 24,000 new jobs for Network and Computer Systems Administrator by 2026. The BLS estimates 27,000 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Network & Computer Systems Administrator are Utah, Washington, and Louisiana. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Ohio, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of a Network & Computer Systems Administrator

Network and Computer Systems Administrators make between $50,990 and $130,720 a year.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators who work in Maryland, District of Columbia, or California, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Network and Computer Systems Administrators in different U.S. states.

What Tools do Network and Computer Systems Administrators Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Network and Computer Systems Administrators:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office
• Hypertext markup language HTML
• JavaScript
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Git
• Microsoft Outlook
• Python
• jQuery
• Microsoft Access
• Node.js
• MySQL
• Data entry software
• MongoDB
• SAP
• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Project
• Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Microsoft Visio

Becoming a Network & Computer Systems Administrator

Are there Network and Computer Systems Administrators education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Network and Computer Systems Administrators Are Employed

The table below shows the approximate number of Network and Computer Systems Administrators employed by various industries.

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.