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Enterprise software and cloud computing
Microsoft, Oracle, IBM
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Network and computer systems administrators keep an organization’s servers, networks, email, and security tools running so employees can work without constant interruptions. The job is distinct because it mixes quiet maintenance with urgent troubleshooting: most days are routine monitoring and configuration, but when something breaks, the problem can become everyone’s problem fast. The tradeoff is good pay and solid technical work, but a shrinking job market as cloud services and managed providers take over some of the traditional work.
Also known as Network AdministratorSystems AdministratorNetwork Systems AdministratorComputer Systems AdministratorIT Systems Administrator
Median Salary
$96,800
Mean $101,190
U.S. Workforce
~319K
14.3K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+-4.2%
331.5K to 317.7K
Entry Education
Bachelor's degree
+ None experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Network and Computer Systems Administrators sits in the Technology category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~319K workers, with a median annual pay of $96,800 and roughly 14.3K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to decline from 331.5 K in 2024 to 317.7K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field, and employers typically expect none of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Help Desk Technician and can progress toward Senior Network Administrator / IT Infrastructure Lead. High-value skills usually include Windows Server, Active Directory & Group Policy, Cisco Routing, Switching & Network Configuration, and Network Monitoring Tools (SolarWinds, PRTG & Nagios), paired with soft skills such as Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, and Active Listening.
Core Responsibilities
- Set up servers, network equipment, and related software so new systems are ready for use.
- Watch performance logs and alerts to spot problems early and decide whether equipment needs repair or replacement.
- Track down and fix hardware, software, and network problems, including replacing parts that have failed.
- Keep email, antivirus, firewall, and other security tools updated and working properly.
Keep exploring: more Technology careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Set up servers, network equipment, and related software so new systems are ready for use.
02 Watch performance logs and alerts to spot problems early and decide whether equipment needs repair or replacement.
03 Track down and fix hardware, software, and network problems, including replacing parts that have failed.
04 Keep email, antivirus, firewall, and other security tools updated and working properly.
05 Talk with employees, users, and coworkers to understand technical issues and explain what needs to be done.
06 Work with vendors and internal teams to choose equipment, place orders, and make sure purchases fit the company’s needs.
Industries That Hire
📡
Telecommunications and internet service providers
AT&T, Verizon, Comcast
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Healthcare systems
Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, HCA Healthcare
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Finance and insurance
JPMorgan Chase, Fidelity, State Farm
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Manufacturing and logistics
UPS, FedEx, Boeing
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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The pay is strong, with a mean annual wage of $101,190 and a median of $96,800.
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BLS lists no required work experience and no on-the-job training, so a degree can lead directly into the field.
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Even with a projected decline, the occupation still has about 14.3 thousand annual openings, so hiring does continue.
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The work combines planning, monitoring, and hands-on troubleshooting instead of repeating the same desk task all day.
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The skills transfer well to cloud, security, and broader IT operations jobs if you want to move up or sideways later.
Challenges
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The occupation is projected to shrink by 4.2% by 2034, a loss of 13.8 thousand jobs, so the long-term market is getting tighter.
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When systems fail, the work becomes urgent immediately, which can mean pressure from users, managers, and service outages all at once.
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After-hours and on-call work is common because updates, outages, and maintenance do not always happen during business hours.
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A large share of the job is routine monitoring and maintenance, so some weeks can feel repetitive once everything is stable.
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Cloud platforms, automation, and managed service providers can take over parts of traditional system administration, which can limit the number of pure administrator roles over time.
Career Progression
Help Desk Technician
0-2 years
$45K-$58K
Starts by solving basic login, device, and connectivity problems while learning ticket systems and company network basics.
Network Support Specialist
2-4 years
$59K-$76K
Handles more complex user, hardware, and network issues and begins doing routine configuration and monitoring.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator THIS ROLE
4-8 years
$77K-$110K
Keeps servers, networks, and core communication tools running, with the median salary of $96,800 sitting in this range.
Senior Network Administrator / IT Infrastructure Lead
8-12+ years
$111K-$140K
Plans upgrades, oversees major changes, and coordinates vendors, security, and other IT staff during large system changes or outages.
Education Paths
Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field
The most common entry point, held by 52.37% of workers in this role.
Associate's degree in networking, computer systems, or IT
A lower-cost route that still appears in the field, used by 20.3% of workers.
Post-secondary certificate plus vendor certifications
A shorter alternative taken by 7.49% of workers, often paired with certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA.
Master's degree in information systems, cybersecurity, or a related area
A less common option, reported by 10.13% of workers, usually chosen by people aiming for more advanced or specialized roles.
Key Skills
Technical
Windows Server, Active Directory & Group Policy 78%
Cisco Routing, Switching & Network Configuration 78%
Network Monitoring Tools (SolarWinds, PRTG & Nagios) 78%
Server, PC & Peripheral Troubleshooting 78%
VMware vSphere, Hyper-V & Virtualization 75%
Microsoft 365, Exchange Online & Email Systems 75%
Firewall, VPN & Endpoint Security Tools 75%
PowerShell, Bash & Basic Scripting 75%
Soft Skills
Critical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionAttention to Detail Job Outlook and Trends
+-4.2%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
14.3K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 331.5K to 317.7 K over the next decade, representing -4.2% growth. Around 14.3 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Moderate. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.