Network and computer systems administrators
SOC Code: 15-1244Also known as:
Administrator (Admin), AI Security Specialist (Artificial Intelligence Security Specialist), Application Security Administrator, Application Systems Administrator, Computer Systems Security Administrator
Median Annual Salary
$96,800
-4.2% growth (2024-2034)
14K
Openings/Year
332K
Current Jobs
What Network and computer systems administrators Do
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.
💰 Salary
$96,800
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-4.2%
Decline
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
14K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
331,500
Projected Employment (2034)
317,700
Related Careers
Computer systems analysts
$103,790 •
+8.7% growth
Computer network support specialists
$73,340 •
+1.8% growth
Computer network architects
$130,390 •
+11.9% growth
Database administrators
$104,620 •
-0.7% growth
Computer occupations, all other
$108,970 •
+8.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Systems Analysis
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
- Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use.
- Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and where changes will be needed in the future.
- Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
- Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.
- Confer with network users about solutions to existing system problems.
- Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Network and computer systems administrators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a network and computer systems administrators:
Computer and Information Sciences, General
67,926 degrees awarded •
882 colleges offer this program
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
38,088 degrees awarded •
841 colleges offer this program
Network and System Administration/Administrator
4,755 degrees awarded •
206 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Network and computer systems administrators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become network and computer systems administrators.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do network and computer systems administrators make?
The median annual salary for network and computer systems administrators is $96,800.
What education do network and computer systems administrators need?
Most network and computer systems administrators positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Computer and Information Sciences, General, Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance, Network and System Administration/Administrator.
Is becoming network and computer systems administrators a good career choice?
Network and computer systems administrators is projected to see -4.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 14,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for network and computer systems administrators?
Top colleges for aspiring network and computer systems administrators include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, New York University, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Pennsylvania.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to network and computer systems administrators?
Network and computer systems administrators may also be known as: Administrator (Admin), AI Security Specialist (Artificial Intelligence Security Specialist), Application Security Administrator, Application Systems Administrator, Computer Systems Security Administrator, E-Mail System Administrator, Enterprise Systems Administrator, Hardware Installation Coordinator, Information Analyst, Information Systems Administrator, Information Systems Coordinator (IS Coordinator), Information Systems Operator, Information Technology Administrator (IT Administrator), Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Information Technology Technical Support Specialist (IT Technical Support Specialist), Installation Coordinator, Internet Systems Administrator, Internetwork Expert (CCIE), IT Systems Admin (Information Technology Systems Administrator), LAN Specialist (Local Area Network Specialist).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.