Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Technology Careers

Average Salary (US)

$80,600

PROJECTED JOB OUTLOOK 2020-30​

5%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm

Table of Contents

What is a Network and Computer Systems Administrator?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), the U.S. Department of Labor’s principal fact- finding agency for the federal government in the field of labor, economics, and statistics that provides data on employment and wages, computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and Computer Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.

Duties

Network and Computer Systems Administrators typically do the following:

• Determine an organization’s system needs and install network hardware and software
• Make needed upgrades and repairs to networks and ensure that systems are operating correctly
• Maintain network and computer system security
• Evaluate and optimize network or system performance
• Add users to a network, and assign and update security permissions on the network
• Train users in the proper use of hardware and software
• Interpret and solve problems when a user or an automated monitoring system alerts them that a problem exists

Network and Computer Systems Administrators manage an organization’s servers and desktop and mobile equipment. They ensure that email and data storage networks work properly. They also make sure that employees’ workstations are working efficiently and stay connected to the central computer network. Some administrators manage telecommunication networks.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators may help network architects design and analyze network models. They also participate in decisions about buying future hardware or software to upgrade their organization’s network. Some administrators provide technical support to computer users, and they also may supervise computer support specialists who help solve users’ problems.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Network and Computer Systems Administrators,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm

How much does a Network and Computer Systems Administrator get paid?*

According to BLS, the median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators was $80,600 in May 2021.

These numbers may vary based on geography and labor market.

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm

Best-paying states for Network and Computer Systems Administrators**

According to BLS, the areas with the highest earning potential for Network and Computer Systems Administrators include New Jersey ($108,860), Maryland ($106,480), and California ($105,770). 

**Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”). Data as of March 2022

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Network and Computer Systems Administrators Job Outlook***

Employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 24,900 openings for network and computer systems administrators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

***Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm

Applications Software Developer Job Skills and Knowledge

According to O*NET Resource Center, people in this career often have these skills:

• Data base management system software — Apache Hadoop ; Elasticsearch ; MongoDB ; Teradata Database
• Development environment software — Integrated development environment IDE software ; Microsoft PowerShell ; Microsoft Visual Basic; Ruby
• Network monitoring software — Nagios; Remote monitoring software; Snort; Wireshark
• Operating system software — Linux; Microsoft Windows Server; Oracle Solaris ; UNIX
• Web platform development software — Hypertext markup language HTML; Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP; Node.js; Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP

People in this career often know a lot about:

• Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Source: O*NET Resource Center

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