How To Become A Backup Administrator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a backup administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

While most backup administrators would likely tell you that their job is to monitor data backups, the truth is their responsibilities exceed this. Granted, these guys are data specialists. In a company setting, they execute data backup policies, optimize data backup procedures, design business recovery protocols, offer solutions to technical challenges, train other employees and support them.

A backup administrator's job is somewhat unique and technical. As such, they need to have a number of professional skills in their arsenal. For example, substantial experience with Unix/Linux administration is necessary. Also, an expert knowledge of network TCP/IP and shell scripting would come in handy. They should have some experience in installing, activating, and administering enterprise backup systems as well.

With average yearly earnings of between $73,311 to $84,421, this job pays reasonably enough. The salary can even go higher depending on what level you have attained in the profession.

ScoreBackup AdministratorUS Average

Salary

7.3

Avg. Salary $92,866

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 12.23%

Black or African American 8.38%

Hispanic or Latino 12.09%

Unknown 5.04%

White 61.95%

Gender

female 20.77%

male 79.23%

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

Key steps to become a backup administrator

Explore backup administrator education requirements

Most common backup administrator degrees

Bachelor's

51.7 %

Associate

29.4 %

Master's

8.7 %

Start to develop specific backup administrator skills

Skills	Percentages
Linux	8.26%
SAN	7.73%
Unix	5.64%
Disk	5.59%
Windows Server	5.56%

Complete relevant backup administrator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New backup 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 a backup administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real backup administrator resumes.

Research backup administrator duties and responsibilities

Monitor and manage Cisco routers and switches management.
Create several Unix bash scripts to automate the environment.
Manage all network infrastructure including firewall, routers, switches, network storage, wireless AP s and CAT5e management.
Manage the preventative maintenance of all critical infrastructure which includes HVAC, generator, security system, and fire suppression.

Prepare your backup administrator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your backup 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 a backup administrator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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