Computer systems administrator vs network technician

The differences between computer systems administrators and network technicians 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 technician. Additionally, a computer systems administrator has an average salary of $72,247, which is higher than the $68,938 average annual salary of a network technician.

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

Computer systems administrator vs network technician overview

	Computer Systems Administrator	Network Technician
Yearly salary	$72,247	$68,938
Hourly rate	$34.73	$33.14
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	136,907	79,712
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 50%
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 technician do?

A network technician is responsible for system malfunction diagnosis and troubleshooting operations. Network technicians duties' include repairing damaged system components, analyzing computer systems and blueprints, installing network connections, and upgrading accessories for efficient operations. Other duties include assisting customers with technical issues, ensuring computer systems' privacy, creating documents of network issues and resolutions, and suggesting alternative equipment for network backups. A network technician must have a broad knowledge of the technology industry and mechanical processes, plus the ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision.

Computer systems administrator vs network technician salary

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

	Computer Systems Administrator	Network Technician
Average salary	$72,247	$68,938
Salary range	Between $53,000 And $97,000	Between $51,000 And $92,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Urban Honolulu, HI
Highest paying state	California	Hawaii
Best paying company	Meta	Apple
Best paying industry	Technology	Finance

Differences between computer systems administrator and network technician education

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

	Computer Systems Administrator	Network Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Pennsylvania

Computer systems administrator vs network technician demographics

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

	Computer Systems Administrator	Network Technician
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3%	Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7%
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, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 9.4% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between computer systems administrator and network technician 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 technician example responsibilities.

Install and manage DHCP servers including setting up DHCP scopes, enabling DHCP clients, viewing and managing active leases.
Manage city wide IIS deployment.
Manage Virtualization system, using ESX server/client.
Install, configure and manage Symantec Antivirus on all network computers
Use Symantec BackupExec to manage and maintain all server backups and file restorations.
Manage company Cisco series routers, switches, and ASA firewall integrate into MPLS network.

Computer systems administrator vs network technician skills

Common computer systems administrator skills

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

Common network technician skills

Customer Service, 9%
Switches, 6%
Troubleshoot, 6%
Routers, 4%
Lan Wan, 3%
Lan, 3%

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Computer Systems Administrator vs Network Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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