Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

On the job, you would:

Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as organizations’ needs change.

Communication skills. Administrators should be able to explain technical concepts and processes to non-IT workers.

Creative skills. Administrators may need to take an innovative approach to make networks or systems work, such as when integrating new products with existing hardware or software.

Multitasking skills. Administrators may have to work on many tasks at the same time, whether setup, monitoring, or troubleshooting.

Problem-solving skills. Administrators must be able to resolve problems that arise with computer networks and systems.

Technical skills. Administrators need programming skills and the ability to work with a variety of computer hardware and software.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		89%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		88%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		86%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		86%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		83%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		80%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		80%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		80%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		78%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		78%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		74%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		74%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		68%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		67%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		61%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		55%	Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		83%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
		78%	Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
		61%	Conventional - Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		75%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
		72%	Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
		61%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		61%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
		56%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		75%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		72%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		72%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		69%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		69%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		69%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		66%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		63%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		60%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		56%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		56%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		56%	Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
		53%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		53%	Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
		53%	Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
		53%	Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		59%	Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
		57%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		57%	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
		57%	Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
		55%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		55%	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
		55%	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.
		55%	Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
		55%	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
		55%	Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
		55%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		54%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		54%	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
		54%	Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
		54%	Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
		54%	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
		52%	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
		52%	Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
		52%	Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Implement security measures for computer or information systems.

Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.

Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access.

Develop computer or information security policies or procedures.

Implement security measures for computer or information systems.

Monitor the performance of computer networks.

Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access.

Document operational activities.

Test computer hardware performance.

Test software performance.

Design integrated computer systems.

Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.

Identify information technology project resource requirements.

Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.

Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.

Provide technical support for computer network issues.

Monitor the performance of computer networks.

Train others in computer interface or software use.

Install computer hardware.

Collect data about customer needs.

Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.

Identify information technology project resource requirements.

Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.

Document network-related activities or tasks.

Maintain the inventory of equipment.

Coordinate resource procurement activities.

Resolve computer network problems.

Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.

Resolve computer software problems.

Implement security measures for computer or information systems.

Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.

Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.

Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.

Provide technical support for computer network issues.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		99%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		97%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		90%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		88%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		87%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		82%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		80%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		78%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		77%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		75%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		70%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		57%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		57%	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
		54%	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable - How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
		54%	Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos?
		54%	Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
		53%	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions - How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
		53%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		52%	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People - How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
		52%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		66%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		97%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		83%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		81%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		79%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		77%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		75%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		70%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		68%	Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
		68%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		67%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		66%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		65%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		63%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		59%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		56%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		56%	Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		53%	Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
		52%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

What Network and Computer Systems Administrators Do

Administrators fix computer server problems.

Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), data communication networks, operating systems, and servers.

Duties

Network and computer systems administrators typically do the following:

Determine an organization’s network and system needs and install operating and application hardware and software
Provide input on hardware or software for an organization's purchasing decisions
Make needed upgrades and repairs to networks and ensure that systems are operating correctly
Maintain network and computer system security
Evaluate and optimize network and system performance
Add users to a network and assign security permissions
Train users on the organization’s network and systems
Diagnose and resolve problems when alerted by a user or an automated monitoring system

Network and computer systems administrators may oversee both networks and systems, but they often specialize in one or the other. Network administrators typically focus on setting up and maintaining the infrastructure that connects an organization’s computers. Systems administrators set up and maintain organizations’ software and enable user access.

Network administrators install, configure, and manage computer infrastructure, such as routers, switches, and cables, that support an organization’s computer networks. These networks include Local Area Networks (LANs), which connect devices in a single location, and Wide Area Networks (WANs), which connect multiple LANs or locations. They may help computer network architects design and analyze network models. Some administrators manage telecommunication networks.

Systems administrators manage an organization’s servers and desktop and mobile equipment and software. They ensure that email and data storage networks within an organization’s computer system work properly. They install and configure software and system updates and monitor system performance to ensure that employees’ workstations are efficient.

Some administrators provide technical support to users, such as when computer support specialists are unable to resolve a problem.

Work Environment

Network and computer systems administrators held about 339,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of network and computer systems administrators were as follows:

Computer systems design and related services	17%
Educational services; state, local, and private	11
Finance and insurance	9
Information	9
Management of companies and enterprises	7

Network and computer systems administrators are employed by a variety of organizations and work in a variety of settings. In addition to those shown in the table, top employers also include manufacturing industries, healthcare providers, and government agencies.

Network and computer systems administrators often collaborate with many types of information technology (IT) workers, such as computer support specialists, database administrators, computer network architects, and computer and information systems managers.

Work Schedules

Most network and computer systems administrators work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Administrators may need to work evenings, nights, or weekends to monitor, maintain, or update networks and systems.

Getting Started

Education:

52%

Bachelor's Degree

20%

Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)

How to Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Administrators need analytical skills to ensure that networks and systems perform reliably.

To enter the occupation, network and computer systems administrators typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science. Others may require a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree.

Education

Some employers require a postsecondary certificate or an associate's degree. However, network and computer systems administrators typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering. These programs usually include courses in computer programming, networking, and systems design.

Network and computer systems administrators need to keep up with developments in the constantly changing field of information technology (IT). They may continue to take courses throughout their careers and attend IT conferences to keep up with the latest technology.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Employers may require their network and computer systems administrators to be certified in the products they use. Certification programs usually are offered directly from vendors or from vendor-neutral certification providers. Certification validates the knowledge and the use of best practices that are required of network and computer systems administrators.

Advancement

Network administrators may advance to become computer network architects. They also may advance to managerial jobs in IT departments, such as computer and information systems managers.

Job Outlook

Employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 19,800 openings for network and computer systems administrators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many 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.

Employment

Demand for network and computer systems administrators should continue, along with firms' investment in newer, faster technology and mobile networks. The continued expansion of cloud computing and the demand for upgraded computer equipment and software will support a need for network and computer systems administrators to maintain these systems.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about computer careers, visit

Association for Computing Machinery

CompTIA

IEEE Computer Society

For information about opportunities for women pursuing information technology careers, visit

National Center for Women & Information Technology

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of network and computer systems administrators.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Computer and Information Systems Managers	Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.	Bachelor's degree	$164,070
Computer Hardware Engineers	Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.	Bachelor's degree	$132,360
Computer Network Architects	Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.	Bachelor's degree	$126,900
Computer Programmers	Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.	Bachelor's degree	$97,800
Computer Support Specialists	Computer support specialists maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users.	See How to Become One	$59,660
Computer Systems Analysts	Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency.	Bachelor's degree	$102,240
Database Administrators and Architects	Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.	Bachelor's degree	$112,120
Information Security Analysts	Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.	Bachelor's degree	$112,000
Electrical and Electronics Engineers	Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.	Bachelor's degree	$104,610
Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers	Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects.	Bachelor's degree	$124,200
Web Developers and Digital Designers	Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.	Bachelor's degree	$80,730

Network and Computer Systems Administrator

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Network and Computer Systems Administrators Do

Duties

Work Environment

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Education

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Advancement

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Similar Occupations