Network and Computer Systems Administrator Career
Network and computer systems administrators have important jobs in office settings and for large companies. Their jobs entail keeping computer systems and networks up and running, as well as making sure no one abuses the resources of a network by violating companies’ policies.
Network and computer systems administrators also have to get their hands dirty, so if you enjoy setting up a network, upgrading computer hardware/software, or installing cables, this is a career field for you. Because these are highly technical fields, they command a high salary and allow you to work for Fortune 500 companies.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator Career Snapshot
Systems administrators work in office settings, but sometimes can find themselves in tight crawl spaces checking network cables should anything go awry. Most of the time, they watch and make sure everything works as it should and resolve user issues. They typically keep the office hours of the company, but can be called in an emergency.
Further details on a career as a network and computer systems administrator are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average yearly salary for network and computer systems administrators.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
network and computer systems administrator jobs in the U.S. in 2014
Education
To get into this field, it’s recommended that you pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science. However, it’s also possible to get certified via the A+ CompTIA program, an internationally-recognized standard for IT professionals. The A+ consists of hardware and software tests.
Job Duties
Some of the day-to-day tasks include upgrading system software, troubleshooting network issues, and tracking network usage. It might also be necessary to reinstall faulty cables or network equipment such as routers.
Salaries
The median salary for a network administrator is $77,810 per year (according to May 2015 BLS.gov statistics). Lower-end salaries are $47,460, and higher-end ones range up to $125,000 per year The more education you have, the higher salary you can command. Someone who’s just certified with the A+ program will start out lower, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees exceeding these salaries.
Job Outlook
With the increasing reliance on IT and the interconnectedness of various companies, the need for skilled personnel will only increase over the next decade. Over 300,000 new jobs in this field are expected to become available in the next 10 years.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator Skills & Abilities
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Network and Computer Systems Administrators: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Critical Thinking • Reading Comprehension • Systems Analysis • Complex Problem Solving • Decision making | • Ordering information • Deductive Reasoning • Inductive Reasoning • Near Vision • Oral Comprehension | • Cable accessories • Hard disk arrays • Network analyzers • Punchdown tools • Load balancers | • Working with computers • Getting information • Identifying information • Decision making • Problem solving |
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