All About Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Job Description & Duties 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.
A Day in the Life of a Network & Computer Systems Administrator
- Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms.
- 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.
- Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
- Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
- Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
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What Every 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.
Types of Network and Computer Systems Administrator
- Wide Area Network Systems Administrator (WAN Systems Administrator)
- Systems Administrator
- Network Specialist
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator)
What Kind of Network & Computer Systems Administrator Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 391,300 jobs in the United States for Network and Computer Systems Administrator. 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.
How Much Does a Network & Computer Systems Administrator Make?
The salary for Network and Computer Systems Administrators ranges between about $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 each U.S. state?
| 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
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Network and Computer Systems Administrators may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Education needed to be a Network and Computer Systems Administrator:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Network & Computer Systems Administrator?
Where Network and Computer Systems Administrators Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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