Network and Computer Systems Administrators : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Summary

Administrators maintain network LANs, WANs, and intranets.

Quick Facts: Network and Computer Systems Administrators
2010 Median Pay	$69,160 per year $33.25 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2010	347,200
Job Outlook, 2010-20	28% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	96,600

What Network and Computer Systems Administrators Do

Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of an organization’s computer 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.

Work Environment

Network and computer systems administrators work with the physical computer networks of a variety of organizations and therefore are employed in many industries. In 2010, over 90 percent of network and computer systems administrators worked full time.

How to Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Network and computer systems administrators must often have a bachelor’s degree, although some positions require an associate’s degree or professional certification along with related work experience.

Pay

The median annual wage of network and computer systems administrators was $69,160 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of network and computer systems administrators with similar occupations.

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What Network and Computer Systems Administrators Do About this section

Administrators fix computer server problems.

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 what the organization needs in a network and computer system before it is set up
Install all network hardware and software and make needed upgrades and repairs
Maintain network and computer system security and ensure that all systems are operating correctly
Collect data to evaluate the network’s or system’s performance and help make the system work better and faster
Train users on the proper use of hardware and software when necessary
Solve problems quickly when a user or an automated monitoring system lets them know about a problem

Administrators manage an organization’s servers. 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 at their organization.

In some cases, administrators help network architects who design and analyze network models. They also participate in decisions about buying future hardware or software to upgrade the organization’s network. Some administrators provide technical support to computer users, and they may supervise computer support specialists who help users with computer problems.

Work Environment About this section

Network and computer systems administrators work with network architects, IT management, and non-IT staff.

Network and computer systems administrators held about 347,200 jobs in 2010. They work with the physical computer networks of a variety of organizations and therefore are employed in many industries, including educational institutions, hospitals, banks, large corporations, and government agencies. Many also work for information technology (IT) firms.

Selected industries that employ network and computer systems administrators are as follows:

Computer systems design and related services	14%
Educational services; state, local, and private	12
Finance and insurance	10
Manufacturing	7
Telecommunications	6

Network and computer systems administrators work with many other types of workers. They often interact with network architects and IT management but also regularly work with an organization’s non-IT staff. For more information, see the profiles on information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects and computer and information systems managers.

Work Schedules

In 2010, over 90 percent of network and computer systems administrators worked full time. Most organizations depend on their computer networks, so many administrators must work overtime to ensure that the networks are operating properly. Administrators may have to be at work outside of normal business hours to resolve problems.

How to Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator About this section

Administrators need strong computer skills.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in fields related to computer or information science is most common. However, because administrators work with computer hardware and equipment, a degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering usually is acceptable as well. These programs usually include classes in computer programming, networking, or systems design.

Some positions require an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate in a computer field with related work experience.

Because network technology is continually changing, administrators need to keep up with the latest developments. Many continue to take courses throughout their careers. Some businesses require that an administrator get a master’s degree.

Certification

Certification is a way to show a level of competence and may provide a jobseeker with a competitive advantage. Certification programs are generally offered by product vendors or software firms. Companies may require their network and computer systems administrators to be certified in the product they use. Some of the most common certifications are offered from Microsoft, Red Hat, and Cisco.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Administrators need analytical skills to evaluate network and system performance and determine how changes in the environment will affect it.

Communication skills. Administrators work with many other types of workers and have to be able to describe problems and their solutions to them.

Computer skills. Administrators oversee the connections of many different types of computer equipment and must ensure that they all work together properly.

Multi-tasking skills. Administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time.

Problem-solving skills. Administrators must be able to quickly resolve problems with computer networks when they occur.

Pay About this section

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Median annual wages, May 2010

Computer Occupations: $73,710
Network and Computer Systems Administrators: $69,160
Total, All Occupations: $33,840

The median annual wage of network and computer systems administrators was $69,160 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,400, and the top 10 percent earned more than $108,090.

Network and computer systems administrators are employed in many different industries, and pay varies by industry. The following table shows the median annual wages of these workers in some industries in which they are employed:

Computer systems design and related services	$74,230
Finance and insurance	72,660
Manufacturing	67,870
Health care and social assistance	64,560
Educational services; state, local, and private	59,230

In 2010, over 90 percent of network and computer systems administrators worked full time. Most organizations depend on their computer networks, so many administrators work overtime to ensure that the networks are operating properly. Administrators may have to be at work outside of normal business hours to resolve problems.

Job Outlook About this section

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Percent change in employment, projected 2010-20

Network and Computer Systems Administrators: 28%
Computer Occupations: 22%
Total, All Occupations: 14%

Employment of network and computer systems administrators is expected to grow 28 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for these workers is high and should continue to grow as firms invest in newer, faster technology and mobile networks. In addition, information security concerns are increasing for many businesses as managers realize that their current security measures are not enough to combat growing threats. More administrators with proper training will be needed to reinforce network and system security.

Growth is expected in healthcare industries as their use of information technology increases. More administrators will be required to manage the growing systems and networks found at hospitals and other healthcare institutions.

Job Prospects

Job opportunities should be favorable for this occupation. Prospects should be best for applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and who are up to date on the latest technology.

Employment projections data for network and computer systems administrators, 2010-20
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Change, 2010-20		Employment by Industry
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Percent	Numeric	Employment by Industry
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Network and Computer Systems Administrators	15-1142	347,200	443,800	28	96,600	[XLS]

Similar Occupations About this section

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	2010 MEDIAN PAY
Computer and Information Systems Managers	Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology managers (IT managers or IT project managers), plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing the appropriate computer systems to meet those goals.	Bachelor’s degree	$115,780
Computer Hardware Engineers	Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer equipment such as chips, circuit boards, or routers. By solving complex problems in computer hardware, these engineers create rapid advances in computer technology.	Bachelor’s degree	$98,810
Computer Programmers	Computer programmers write code to create software programs. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.	Bachelor’s degree	$71,380
Computer Support Specialists	Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called technical support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization. Others, called help-desk technicians, assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.	Some college, no degree	$46,260
Computer Systems Analysts	Computer systems analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures and make recommendations to management to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.	Bachelor’s degree	$77,740
Database Administrators	Database administrators use software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and are secure from unauthorized access.	Bachelor’s degree	$73,490
Electrical and Electronics Engineers	Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems—from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPS).	Bachelor’s degree	$87,180
Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects	Information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects all use information technology (IT) to advance their organization’s goals. Security analysts ensure a firm’s information stays safe from cyberattacks. Web developers create websites to help firms have a public face. Computer network architects create the internal networks all workers within organizations use.	Bachelor’s degree	$75,660
Software Developers	Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.	Bachelor’s degree	$90,530