Computer systems administrator vs network administrator

The differences between computer systems administrators and network administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a computer systems administrator and a network administrator. Additionally, a computer systems administrator has an average salary of $72,247, which is higher than the $71,357 average annual salary of a network administrator.

The top three skills for a computer systems administrator include computer system, linux and customer service. The most important skills for a network administrator are switches, windows server, and troubleshoot.

Computer systems administrator vs network administrator overview

	Computer Systems Administrator	Network Administrator
Yearly salary	$72,247	$71,357
Hourly rate	$34.73	$34.31
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	136,907	106,886
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a computer systems administrator do?

Computer systems administrators are responsible for organizing and installing a company's computer system, including the WAN, LAN, and other data for communication. They gather information from the users to determine where to improve and troubleshoot hardware and software issues. These administrators ensure that the system they design for a company meets the needs of their users. They maintain the security of their systems and provide technical support for projects. They mainly administer a company's network, database, and security systems.

What does a network administrator do?

A network administrator is responsible for managing an organization's computer systems, ensuring its smooth operations and highest efficiency. Network administrators' duties include inspecting network malfunctions, troubleshooting unresponsive programs, improving system processes, analyzing client's specifications, upgrading existing applications, coordinating with the technology department, and creating a report of network issues resolutions. A network administrator should display a strong command of programming languages. Extensive knowledge in the technology industry and analytical and problem-solving skills to manage network problems immediately is also necessary.

Computer systems administrator vs network administrator salary

Computer systems administrators and network administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Computer Systems Administrator	Network Administrator
Average salary	$72,247	$71,357
Salary range	Between $53,000 And $97,000	Between $56,000 And $90,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	Meta	Google
Best paying industry	Technology	Finance

Differences between computer systems administrator and network administrator education

There are a few differences between a computer systems administrator and a network administrator in terms of educational background:

	Computer Systems Administrator	Network Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Stanford University	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Computer systems administrator vs network administrator demographics

Here are the differences between computer systems administrators' and network administrators' demographics:

	Computer Systems Administrator	Network Administrator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3%	Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.9% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 9.6% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between computer systems administrator and network administrator duties and responsibilities

Computer systems administrator example responsibilities.

Create SNP pipeline script in Perl to automate SNP prediction.
Manage static IP address reservations in the corporate and DHCP in the production network.
Manage a mix facility of IBM and DEC mainframe computers, VAX super-mini computers and PDP-11 mini computers.
Design, install, configure and manage Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop environment.
Manage & monitor database servers and perform weekly/monthly data backup schedules and recovery strategies.
Convert manual offices to computerize environment using standalone PCs and UNIX systems.

Network administrator example responsibilities.

Lead and manage desktop standards project.
Manage backups using EMC Networker and Avamar.
Manage Solarwinds to monitor servers and networks for all locations.
Manage all provisioning and technical issues for new customer IP blocks.
Deploy and manage storage (windows file servers and NetApp NAS).
Manage all technology: Novell, Microsoft, Cisco, email, library, labs, dorms, programs

Computer systems administrator vs network administrator skills

Common computer systems administrator skills

Computer System, 12%
Linux, 8%
Customer Service, 5%
Troubleshoot, 5%
DOD, 4%
User Accounts, 3%

Common network administrator skills

Switches, 7%
Windows Server, 6%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Network Hardware, 5%
Routers, 4%
Lan Wan, 4%

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Computer Systems Administrator vs Network Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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