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What is an assistant systems administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Bill McGinley
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Assistant systems administrators assist in assessing and analyzing how feasible implementing specific software will be for the organization. They develop and perform post-implementation maintenance and support procedures. They gather information to analyze and evaluate existing or proposed systems. Additionally, the assistant systems administrator installs, configures, maintains, and upgrades operating systems' hardware and software interfaces. Furthermore, they suggest hardware and software development, purchase, and use. Moreover, they work with other technical staff to ensure connectivity and compatibility between systems.

For this job, you need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a related field. You will need one or more years of experience in a relevant field. You must possess problem-solving, time management, interpersonal, attention to detail, management, and communication skills. Having an MTCNA or CCNA certification is preferred. Assistant systems administrators make an average salary of $40,019 yearly. This falls between $24,000 and $66,000.

What general advice would you give to an assistant systems administrator?

Bill McGinleyBill McGinley LinkedIn profile

President & CEO, American College of Health Care Administrators

LTC administrators should have at least a bachelor's degree in business or a healthcare-related field. A well-rounded internship that exposes the future administrator to all aspects of the operation is essential. Needed skills include business, marketing, finance, operations, management and leadership.
Post pandemic opportunities will be nationwide in this field with a greater need in rural areas.
Technology will continue to play a big role in the field. Computerized medical records, census management, and all clinical areas will continue to dominate. Online meetings are liable to continue as well, as employers realize that there is a savings to be gained by not having people travel to meetings and conferences.
ScoreAssistant Systems AdministratorUS Average
Salary
3.2

Avg. Salary $40,777

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 8.73%

Black or African American 9.03%

Hispanic or Latino 12.71%

Unknown 5.10%

White 64.12%

Gender

female 61.38%

male 38.62%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Assistant systems administrator career paths

Key steps to become an assistant systems administrator

  1. Explore assistant systems administrator education requirements

    Most common assistant systems administrator degrees

    Bachelor's

    55.3 %

    Associate

    17.7 %

    Master's

    12.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific assistant systems administrator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service15.34%
    Patients11.70%
    Payroll7.18%
    PowerPoint5.26%
    Bed Facility4.52%
  3. Complete relevant assistant systems administrator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New assistant systems administrators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an assistant systems administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real assistant systems administrator resumes.
  4. Gain additional assistant systems administrator certifications

    Assistant systems administrator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific assistant systems administrator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for assistant systems administrators include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research assistant systems administrator duties and responsibilities

    • Perform a wide variety of administrative tasks including managing daily schedules and interconnecting with other medical facilities and patients.
    • Monitor network connectivity, traffic, loads, and TCP/IP packet efficiency.
    • Work on Solaris volume manager to create file systems as per user and database requirements.
    • Maintain anti-virus software, remedy virus infections, and resolve hardware problems and technical issues.
  6. Prepare your assistant systems administrator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your assistant systems administrator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an assistant systems administrator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable assistant systems administrator resume templates

    Build a professional assistant systems administrator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your assistant systems administrator resume.
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    Assistant Systems Administrator Resume
  7. Apply for assistant systems administrator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an assistant systems administrator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first assistant systems administrator job

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Average assistant systems administrator salary

The average assistant systems administrator salary in the United States is $40,777 per year or $20 per hour. Assistant systems administrator salaries range between $23,000 and $71,000 per year.

Average assistant systems administrator salary
$40,777 Yearly
$19.60 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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