What Does it Take to Be a Network and Computer Systems Administrator?

Network & Computer Systems Administrator Job Description 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

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
• Maintain an inventory of parts for emergency repairs.
• Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
• Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements.
• Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
• Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.

What a Network & Computer Systems Administrator Should Know

These are the skills Network and Computer Systems Administrators say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

Related Job Titles

• Systems Operator
• Linux Systems Administrator
• IT Systems Administrator (Information Technology Systems Administrator)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Network Specialist

Network & Computer Systems Administrator Employment Estimates

There were about 391,300 jobs for Network and Computer Systems Administrator in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 27,000 job openings in this field each year.

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.

Salary for 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.

How much do Network and Computer Systems Administrators make in different U.S. states?

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alabama	$76,370
Alaska	$82,980
Arizona	$85,850
Arkansas	$65,220
California	$97,810
Colorado	$84,170
Connecticut	$93,230
Delaware	$80,990
District of Columbia	$99,920
Florida	$79,070
Georgia	$86,910
Hawaii	$86,530
Idaho	$66,930
Illinois	$86,290
Indiana	$75,500
Iowa	$74,940
Kansas	$75,940
Kentucky	$64,320
Louisiana	$68,380
Maine	$76,780
Maryland	$108,190
Massachusetts	$91,470
Michigan	$77,580
Minnesota	$85,620
Mississippi	$75,000
Missouri	$82,160
Montana	$64,780
Nebraska	$78,620
Nevada	$84,330
New Hampshire	$87,720
New Jersey	$99,070
New Mexico	$76,700
New York	$94,940
North Carolina	$84,870
North Dakota	$71,180
Ohio	$80,500
Oklahoma	$73,130
Oregon	$82,020
Pennsylvania	$77,700
Rhode Island	$90,600
South Carolina	$75,630
South Dakota	$62,420
Tennessee	$80,030
Texas	$89,500
Utah	$81,430
Vermont	$75,170
Virginia	$93,860
Washington	$92,750
West Virginia	$68,980
Wisconsin	$75,320
Wyoming	$66,340

Tools & Technologies Used by Network and Computer Systems Administrators

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

Learn what Network and Computer Systems Administrator education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Network & Computer Systems Administrator?

Who Employs Network and Computer Systems Administrators?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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.