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What does a computer network administrator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
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Computer network administrator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer network administrator resumes:

  • Establish and manage SharePoint base intranet for departmental and interdepartmental support.
  • Administer network and routing protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, SMTP).
  • Install and configure computer workstations and configure laptop computers for RAS and docking station connections on LAN.
  • Install, administer, and maintain networks with many servers, switches, routers, wireless access points, and firewalls.
  • Install and configure VPN client.
  • Administer electronic mail and SQL servers.
  • Switch network from static IP to DHCP services.
  • Maintain and fix SQL database tables as needed.
  • Monitor and maintain Linux web and email server.
  • Install network software, including security or firewall software.
  • Create accounts for internal staff and faculty and provide DNS services.
  • Improve a free hosting system using MySQL server which requires no authentication from OS users.
  • Establish and maintain LAN, and design network software for different departments of a big chemical enterprise.
  • Contact hardware or software vendors' technical support via chat, email or phone to help troubleshoot incidents.
  • Create and install a local area network consisting of one IBM AS/400 and multiple personal computers utilizing the TCP/IP protocol.

Computer network administrator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 15% of Computer Network Administrators are proficient in Customer Service, Computer Network, and PC. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.

We break down the percentage of Computer Network Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 15%

    Developed and implemented customer service and communications policies as well as authored and revised event management local operating instructions.

  • Computer Network, 7%

    Installed and configured computer networking software for diagnostic purposes.

  • PC, 5%

    Determined all PC hardware and peripheral hardware required to meet business requirements.

  • Switches, 5%

    Installed, administered, and maintained networks with many servers, switches, routers, wireless access points, and firewalls.

  • Troubleshoot, 5%

    Utilized network utilities to troubleshoot and repair network connectivity issues.

  • Desk Support, 4%

    Provided help desk support for 60 staff and 1,300 students.

Most computer network administrators use their skills in "customer service," "computer network," and "pc" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential computer network administrator responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a computer network administrator to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what computer network administrators do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a computer network administrator resume shows how computer network administrators use analytical skills: "maintained databases, proprietary software, aix and linux erp servers, and terminal servers. "

Communication skills. Many computer network administrator duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a computer network administrator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways computer network administrator responsibilities rely on communication skills: "planned, installed, maintained and optimized documentation of all lan/wan/vpn network hardware and software, security systems and communication links. "

Multitasking skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of computer network administrators is multitasking skills. This skill is critical to many everyday computer network administrator duties, as "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "exhibit strong communication, critical thinking, multitasking, troubleshooting, and customer service skills"

Problem-solving skills. A big part of what computer network administrators do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to computer network administrator responsibilities because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical computer network administrator tasks: "worked closely with developers to deliver high-quality software solutions using c++, visual basic, sql and other technologies. "

All computer network administrator skills

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Compare different computer network administrators

Computer network administrator vs. Network manager

A network manager is responsible for monitoring the efficient network connection of the company's technology systems, analyzing system designs, and overseeing installation processes and programs. Network managers inspect the efficiency of existing network management systems, upgrading network data to boost optimal performance and communication transportation. A network manager must have excellent knowledge of technology disciplines and should always be updated with the recent technology trends, guiding the network staff on their tasks and immediately resolving system defects and discrepancies.

The annual salary of network managers is $28,465 higher than the average salary of computer network administrators.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between computer network administrators and network managers are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like customer service, pc, and switches.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a computer network administrator are more likely to require skills like "computer network," "desk support," "network printers," and "cad." On the other hand, a job as a network manager requires skills like "fault management," "project management," "lan wan," and "provider network." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Network managers tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $105,251. In contrast, computer network administrators make the biggest average salary, $72,354, in the manufacturing industry.On average, network managers reach similar levels of education than computer network administrators. Network managers are 3.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Computer network administrator vs. Network engineer

A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs. They also check network defects, perform troubleshooting, improve data security systems, and install security updates. A network engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a broad understanding of system codes, programming languages, and network configurations.

Network engineer positions earn higher pay than computer network administrator roles. They earn a $14,444 higher salary than computer network administrators per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Computer network administrators and network engineers both require similar skills like "pc," "switches," and "troubleshoot" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, computer network administrator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "computer network," "desk support," and "network printers." Meanwhile, a network engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "bgp," "ospf," "lan wan," and "tcp ip." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Network engineers earn a higher average salary than computer network administrators. But network engineers earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $90,927. Additionally, computer network administrators earn the highest salaries in the manufacturing with average pay of $72,354 annually.In general, network engineers achieve similar levels of education than computer network administrators. They're 2.4% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Computer network administrator vs. Information technology administrator

An Information Technology (IT) administrator is an individual responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of an organization's IT systems and ensuring that the systems are running effectively. IT administrators must conduct consistent analyses of the computer system and install updates when needed. They are required to assess the organization's security programs and run the system for viruses and spyware. IT administrators also extend support to the organization's end-users and train them on desktop applications.

An average information technology administrator eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of computer network administrators. The difference in salaries amounts to information technology administrators earning a $4,082 higher average salary than computer network administrators.Using the responsibilities included on computer network administrators and information technology administrators resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "customer service," "pc," and "switches.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computer network administrator resumes include skills like "computer network," "routers," "cad," and "sql," whereas an information technology administrator is more likely to list skills in "database," "vmware," "technical support," and "os. "

Information technology administrators make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $93,678. On the other hand, computer network administrators are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $72,354.Most information technology administrators achieve a similar degree level compared to computer network administrators. For example, they're 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Computer network administrator vs. Computer consultant

Computer Consultants assist a company's staff with computer system usage and issues. Computer consultants can be software programmers, hardware system installers, networking specialists, database specialists, and others.

Computer consultants average a higher salary than the annual salary of computer network administrators. The difference is about $25,218 per year.According to resumes from computer network administrators and computer consultants, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "troubleshoot," "desk support," and "network printers. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between computer network administrators and computer consultants, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a computer network administrator might have more use for skills like "customer service," "computer network," "pc," and "switches." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of computer consultants require skills like "technical support," "database," "microsoft windows," and "mac. "

Computer consultants enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $85,911. For comparison, computer network administrators earn the highest salary in the manufacturing industry.computer consultants reach similar levels of education compared to computer network administrators, in general. The difference is that they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of computer network administrator

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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