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Job Outlook for:
Network and Computer Systems Administrators

SOC: 15-1142        OOH: U061

Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Quick Stats
Total Jobs in 2016 391,300
Expected Growth 6%    (As fast as average)
New Jobs To Be Added
from 2016 to 2026
23,900
Median Pay $75,000 or more

 

 

Employment Outlook for Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for information technology (IT) workers is high and should continue to grow as firms invest in newer, faster technology and mobile networks. Growth also is expected as the use of IT in healthcare increases. However, an increase in cloud computing could raise the productivity of network administrators, slowing their growth across many industries.

Employment of network administrators in the computer systems design and related services industry is projected to grow 20 percent from 2016 to 2026. The increasing adoption of cloud services by small and medium-sized businesses that do not have their own dedicated IT departments could increase the demand for network and computer systems administrators within this industry.

Job Prospects

Job opportunities should be favorable. Prospects should be best for applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in computer network and systems administration or computer science and who are up to date on the latest technology, especially cloud computing.

 

 


 

Typical Pay for Network and Computer Systems Administrators

The median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators was $79,700 in May 2016. 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 $48,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $127,610.

In May 2016, the median annual wages for network and computer systems administrators in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Information $85,960
Computer systems design and related services 85,490
Finance and insurance 84,850
Management of companies and enterprises 83,210
Educational services; state, local, and private 68,510

Most network and computer systems administrators worked full time in 2016. Organizations depend on their computer networks, so administrators may need to work overtime to ensure that the networks are operating properly around the clock. About 1 in 5 administrators worked more than 40 hours per week in 2016.



 

What Network and Computer Systems Administrators Do All Day

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 an organization’s system needs and install network hardware and software
  • Make needed upgrades and repairs to networks and ensure that systems are operating correctly
  • Maintain network and computer system security
  • Evaluate and optimize network or system performance
  • Add users to a network, and assign and update security permissions on the network
  • Train users in the proper use of hardware and software
  • Interpret and solve problems when a user or an automated monitoring system alerts them that a problem exists

Administrators manage an organization’s servers and desktop and mobile equipment. 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.

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

 



 

Work Environment for Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Network and computer systems administrators held about 391,300 jobs in 2016. The largest employers of network and computer systems administrators were as follows:

Computer systems design and related services 18%
Information 11
Educational services; state, local, and private 10
Finance and insurance 9
Management of companies and enterprises 7

Although many network and computer systems administrators are employed by firms in the computer systems design and related services industry, they work in a variety of settings. Some might administer systems and networks for financial firms, and others work in hospitals or local government offices.

Network and computer systems administrators work with many types of workers, including other IT workers, such as computer support specialists, database administrators, computer network architects, and computer and information systems managers.

Work Schedules

Most network and computer systems administrators worked full time in 2016. Organizations depend on their computer networks, so administrators may need to work overtime to ensure that the networks are operating properly around the clock. About 1 in 5 administrators worked more than 40 hours per week in 2016.

 


 

How To Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Most employers require network and computer systems administrators to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science. Others may require only a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree.

Education

Although some employers require only a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree, most require a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science. There are degree programs that focus on computer network and system administration. However, because administrators work with computer hardware and equipment, a degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering usually is acceptable as well. Programs in these fields frequently include classes in computer programming, networking, or systems design.

Because network technology is constantly changing, administrators need to keep up with the latest developments. Many continue to take courses throughout their careers and attend information technology (IT) conferences to keep up with the latest technology. Some businesses require that administrators have a master’s degree.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Companies generally require their network and computer systems administrators to be certified in the products they use. Certification programs usually are offered directly from vendors or from vendor-neutral certification providers. Certification validates the knowledge and the use of best practices that are required of network and computer systems administrators. Microsoft and Cisco offer some of the most common certifications.

Advancement

Network administrators can advance to become computer network architects. They can also advance to managerial jobs in information technology (IT) departments, such as computer and information systems managers.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change.

Communication skills. Administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-IT workers.

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

Problem-solving skills. Administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks.

 

 

 

 

 

"Network and Computer Systems Administrators"   SOC:  15-1142     OOH Code: U061

Thank you BLS.gov.