Network and Computer Systems Administrator
O*NET-SOC: 15-1244.00
Installs, configures, and maintains an organization's local area network, wide area network, internet, and intranet systems, ensuring network availability, security, and performance.
About this Role
Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for keeping an organization's computer networks, servers, and related infrastructure running reliably and securely. They start the day by checking monitoring dashboards that track the health of servers, network connections, and key services, looking for anything that might be slowing down or at risk of failing. When issues arise, such as a server going offline or employees losing internet access, they diagnose the root cause and restore service, often under time pressure because outages directly affect everyone in the organization.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM
Check monitoring dashboards
Review system monitoring tools for any alerts about server performance, network speed, or service outages that occurred overnight, and prioritize any issues that need immediate attention.
8:30 AM
Resolve helpdesk tickets
Work through support requests from employees, such as resetting passwords, fixing remote access problems, or diagnosing why a shared file server is running slowly.
10:00 AM
Apply updates and patches
Install security updates on servers and workstations, verify that overnight backups completed successfully, and update firewall rules to reflect any new access requirements.
12:00 PM
Lunch and team check-in
Take a break and have a quick sync with the IT team to discuss the status of ongoing projects and any upcoming maintenance windows.
1:00 PM
Investigate performance issues
Analyze network traffic logs to find the source of slowdowns, adjust settings to prioritize critical traffic, and set up new network segments for teams that need isolated access.
3:00 PM
Run security checks
Scan systems for vulnerabilities, review who has access to sensitive resources and remove accounts that are no longer needed, and update internal documentation to reflect recent changes.
5:00 PM
Wrap up and hand off
Confirm that all scheduled backups are queued, document any unresolved issues for the next shift or on-call person, and schedule any maintenance tasks that need to run after hours.
Tools & Technologies
Development Tools
- Microsoft Azure
- Microsoft PowerShell
- Apache Kafka
- Apache Maven
- C
Web Development
- AJAX
- Apache Tomcat
- Django
- HTML
- JavaScript
Database Systems
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Apache Cassandra
- Apache Hadoop
- Apache Hive
- Elasticsearch
Operating Systems
- Bash
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Windows Server
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Databases & Data Tools
- AWS
- ServiceNow
- SQL
- AWS EC2
- Amazon Redshift
Programming Languages
- Python
- C#
- C++
- jQuery
- Java
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $76K and $123K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $60K |
| 25th | $76K |
| 50th (Median) | $97K |
| 75th | $123K |
| 90th | $150K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA
Foundational cert covering networking concepts, infrastructure, and troubleshooting.
Recommended
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Cisco Systems
Validates skills in routing, switching, wireless, and network fundamentals.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
ISC2
Advanced security cert for risk management and network protection.
Helpful
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
Microsoft
Focuses on managing cloud identities, governance, and compute in Azure.
Professional Memberships
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Membership
Association for Computing Machinery
Provides resources, conferences, and networking for IT professionals.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Hybrid (Remote + Office)
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Mostly sedentary
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (42)
- Reading ComprehensionGood Match
- Critical ThinkingGood Match
- Judgment and Decision MakingGood Match
- Systems AnalysisGood Match
- Active ListeningGood Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Network and Computer Systems Administrator a good career?
Network and Computer Systems Administrator can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $97K and job outlook is stable (2% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator?
The typical education requirement for a Network and Computer Systems Administrator is a Bachelor's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator?
Becoming a Network and Computer Systems Administrator typically requires about 4 years of undergraduate study. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Network and Computer Systems Administrator?
The work-life balance for a Network and Computer Systems Administrator is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Network and Computer Systems Administrator?
The job outlook for Network and Computer Systems Administrator is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 2% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.
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