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.
SOC: 15-1244.00
Common Job Titles
Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist)
Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator)
Network Administrator
Systems Administrator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDesign network architecture and infrastructure solutions coordinating between hardware and software requirements for organizational scalability.
Advanced
KnowledgeDevelop automation scripts and system configuration tools using PowerShell, Python, Bash, and Ansible to streamline administrative tasks.
Advanced
Hands-onConfigure local area networks, wide area networks, and virtual servers using network switches, load balancers, and RAID systems to ensure optimal performance.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze network and server resource consumption patterns using protocol analyzers and network monitoring tools to optimize system performance.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate system and application logs for security threats and performance issues working independently to verify integrity and availability of hardware and network resources.
Proficient
KnowledgeDiagnose complex network and server failures using network analyzers and diagnostic tools under time-critical conditions.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate virtualization platforms and cloud computing environments using VMware, AWS, and Microsoft Azure to maintain physical and virtual servers.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply security controls and access management policies implementing firewall configurations, VPN protocols, and Active Directory to control user access.
Proficient
MindsetPrioritize competing system maintenance and upgrade requests balancing organizational needs with resource constraints and regulatory compliance requirements.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute system backups and disaster recovery procedures following established protocols using tape libraries and backup software.
Developing
MindsetSupport end users and technical teams during system outages and technical issues demonstrating service orientation while communicating with interdisciplinary stakeholders.
Developing
Hands-onCalibrate network performance monitoring systems using SNMP, SolarWinds, and Splunk Enterprise to establish baseline metrics.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Network and Computer Systems Administrators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
318,570
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $60,320. 25th percentile: U.S. $75,860. 50th percentile: U.S. $96,800. 75th percentile: U.S. $123,390. 90th percentile: U.S. $150,320. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$60,320
10% of workers earn the following or more
$150,320
Workers on average earn
$101,190
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Computers and Electronics4.9/5
English Language3.8/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Engineering and Technology3.6/5
Telecommunications3.2/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
