DevOps Engineers Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining organizations' LANs, WANs, intranets, and internet systems. They play a critical role in ensuring the security, reliability, and performance of IT networks. Though some tasks are increasingly automated or outsourced, administrators remain essential in most IT departments.

  • 2024 Median Pay: $96,800/year ($46.54/hour)

  • Job Growth (2023–2033): -3% (decline)

  • Typical Education: Bachelor's degree (Computer Science, IT, or related field)

2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL

ENTRY LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Junior System Administrator, Network Support Technician, IT Specialist, Help Desk Technician

  • Education: Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (some roles accept associate degrees or certificates)

  • Experience: None to 2 years

  • Certifications (Recommended): CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MTA or Fundamentals

  • Core Duties:

    • Monitor network performance and troubleshoot basic connectivity issues

    • Support hardware/software installations and user account setups

    • Maintain network security protocols under supervision

    • Assist with documentation and ticketing systems

  • Salary Range: $60,000–$80,000

MID LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Network Administrator, Systems Administrator, Infrastructure Specialist

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree + 3–5 years experience

  • Certifications (Recommended): CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNP, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

  • Core Duties:

    • Configure and manage LAN/WAN systems and ensure system uptime

    • Perform system upgrades, backups, and security patches

    • Lead troubleshooting for network outages and bottlenecks

    • Collaborate with IT teams and support users across departments

  • Salary Range: $80,000–$110,000

SENIOR LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Senior Network Administrator, IT Infrastructure Manager, Network Operations Lead

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s preferred + 6+ years experience

  • Certifications (Preferred): Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), AWS/Azure certifications, VMware Certified Professional

  • Core Duties:

    • Oversee enterprise-wide network architecture and disaster recovery planning

    • Manage IT staff and guide infrastructure strategy

    • Implement new technologies, cybersecurity measures, and optimize performance

    • Ensure compliance with regulations and internal policies

  • Salary Range: $110,000–$150,000+

3. HOW TO BECOME ONE

  • Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field

  • Training: On-the-job training + continuous learning via certifications

  • Licenses/Certifications:

    • CompTIA Network+/Security+

    • Cisco (CCNA, CCNP)

    • Microsoft, VMware, Red Hat, or Cloud provider certs

  • Soft Skills: Problem-solving, attention to detail, communication, multitasking, documentation

4. SKILLS & TOOLS

Core Skills:

  • Network setup, monitoring, and maintenance

  • Server configuration (Windows/Linux)

  • Firewalls, VPNs, and cybersecurity protocols

  • Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

  • Troubleshooting and incident response

Tools:

  • Cisco IOS, Juniper OS

  • Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy

  • Wireshark, SolarWinds, Nagios

  • Virtualization tools (VMware, Hyper-V)

  • Ticketing systems (ServiceNow, JIRA)

5. WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Locations: Corporate offices, schools, data centers, hospitals, financial institutions

  • Schedules: Full-time; some evening/weekend work for updates/maintenance

  • Environment: Collaborative, fast-paced, requires multitasking under pressure; occasionally on-call

6. JOB OUTLOOK

  • Demand Drivers: Cybersecurity needs, data traffic growth, cloud migration

  • Annual Openings: ~16,400 (replacement needs despite decline)

  • Growth Factors: Remote/hybrid work, need for secure and efficient networks

7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS

  • Role: Computer Support Specialists | Salary: $61,550 | Education Level: Postsecondary certificate

  • Role: Computer Network Architects | Salary: $130,390 | Education Level: Bachelor's degree

  • Role: Information Security Analysts | Salary: $124,910 | Education Level: Bachelor's degree

  • Role: Database Administrators | Salary: $123,100 | Education Level: Bachelor's degree

  • Role: Software Developers | Salary: $131,450 | Education Level: Bachelor's degree

8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT

Certifications & Courses:

  • CompTIA (A+, Network+, Security+): www.comptia.org

  • Cisco Networking Academy: www.netacad.com

  • Microsoft Learn: learn.microsoft.com

  • Coursera (Google IT Support, IBM Cybersecurity Analyst)

  • Udemy (Network Administration, Linux Admin, AWS)

Books:

  • "CompTIA Network+ Guide to Networks" by Jill West

  • "The Practice of System and Network Administration" by Thomas Limoncelli

  • "Windows Server Administration Fundamentals" by Microsoft Official Academic Course

Videos & Channels:

  • CBT Nuggets (www.cbtnuggets.com)

  • NetworkChuck (YouTube)

  • Eli the Computer Guy (YouTube)

Communities:

  • Spiceworks IT Community

  • Reddit: r/sysadmin, r/networking

  • TechExams Community

9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

  • BLS Profile: BLS Network Admin Page

  • CareerOneStop: Compare wages and demand by ZIP code or metro area

  • Projections Central: State-by-state job growth projections

 

Keandra Wilson
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