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Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Typical education: Certificate or apprenticeshipModerate pressure

What they 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.

Kinds of work

  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $99,130 Median per year · $47.66/hr Most earn $62,640–$155,050

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
  • Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
  • Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records.
  • Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
  • Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
  • Confer with network users about solutions to existing system problems.

Job outlook

United States
4% fewer jobs by 2035, declining · about 13,400 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Computer systems design and related services15.7%
  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools7.0%
  • Management of companies and enterprises6.7%
  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals5.6%
  • Elementary and secondary schools4.8%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Some remote workExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Certificate or apprenticeshipExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Network and Computer Systems Administrators usually start in a related entry-level IT job and build hands-on experience for about 2 to 4 years before taking on this role. A certificate or apprenticeship is the typical education, but most people need that practical experience first.

  1. Networking or IT certificate (or apprenticeship)

    1-2 years

    You learn the basics of computer hardware, operating systems, and how networks connect, which gives you the foundation for hands-on IT work.

  2. Computer User Support Specialist

    2-4 years

    As a help desk or IT support technician, you fix user problems, set up devices, and learn how company networks and servers are run, which builds the experience employers look for.

  3. Network and Computer Systems Administrator

    Career

    You install, configure, and maintain networks, servers, and systems, monitor them for problems, manage user access, and make sure backups run.

Where it can lead

  1. Computer Network Architect

    4-6 years of experience first

    You move from running existing networks to designing new ones, planning how data communications systems should grow, which usually calls for more experience and often a bachelor's degree.

  2. Information Security Analyst

    4-6 years of experience first

    You focus on protecting systems by watching for threats, responding to incidents, and setting security rules, which builds on the monitoring and access control skills you already use as an admin.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take computer science or any available IT or networking classThese classes teach you how computers and networks work, which is the base for everything this career builds on.
  • Join a computer club, robotics team, or coding clubWorking on team projects helps you practice troubleshooting and explain technical ideas to others.
  • Volunteer to help with school or library computersFixing devices and helping staff gives you real support experience and a reference for future jobs.
  • Get a part-time job at an electronics store or tech repair shopCustomer-facing tech work teaches you to diagnose problems quickly and communicate clearly.
  • Practice on your own computerLearning the command line, installing operating systems, and setting up a home network builds skills employers look for.

In college

  • Major in IT, networking, or computer science, or enroll in an associate degree or certificate programA structured program teaches the networking, operating system, and server skills this job requires.
  • Pursue an internship or co-op with an IT departmentHands-on work inside a real network environment is one of the strongest ways to show readiness for this career.
  • Take a campus IT help desk jobSupporting students and staff builds troubleshooting skills and gives you experience you can list on a resume.
  • Earn an entry-level networking or systems certificationA recognized certification shows employers you have a verified starting skill set.
  • Join a student tech or cybersecurity clubClub projects and competitions help you practice configuring systems and working on a team.

Tips for getting started

  • Get hands-on time with real equipment early, such as building a home lab, setting up a home network, or running a small server, because employers value practical experience.
  • Look for entry-level help desk or IT support jobs and ask to shadow the network or systems team, since that is often the quickest route into administration.
  • Earn an entry-level networking or systems certification while you study or work, and keep a simple record of the problems you solved to show in interviews.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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