What does a data center administrator do?
A data center administrator is in charge of overseeing the daily operations of an organization's data center. Their job focuses on maintaining and updating data storage systems, managing hardware and software, implementing data protection and recovery plans, performing installations and repairs, and providing technical support to staff as needed. They also conduct research and analyses to establish the ideal practices and center layouts, escalating complex issues to the assigned department, maintaining records, and conducting assessments and evaluations to ensure procedures adhere to company standards and project timelines.
Data center administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real data center administrator resumes:
- Manage Cisco UCS systems that host the organization's VMware environment running critical clinical applications.
- Work with USAMITC to manage DNS and with DISA tiger team to manage mail.mil email system.
- Manage integrated network connectivity, reporting, and troubleshooting including switch, router, and firewall connectivity to increase system stability.
- Work with SQL database developer to create the VMware view database and importing require tables.
- Move content to new SQL server.
- Use of EMC centera base file archival management system.
- Solve issues relate to SP and SQL server environments.
- Provision block and IP storage on EMC Clariion CX4-480 with Celerra gateway.
- Monitor and identify malfunctions in the network and the UNIX servers using HP-OpenView.
- Racked and stack routers, switches, servers, patch panels, and power equipment.
- Perform new hardware installations including OS installation, configuration, cabling, racking and stacking and Cisco router configurations.
- Implement OS patches, OS system upgrades and/or changes as needed and in accordance with change management policies and procedures.
- Decommission out-of-date servers and switches, including removing extremely large amounts of copper and fiber optic network cabling from troughs and waterfalls
- Provide Linux infrastructure design and implementation guidelines.
- Perform extended downtime operations on mainframe servers weekly.
Data center administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Data Center Administrators are proficient in Customer Service, Linux, and VMware. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Analytical skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Data Center Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 7%
Provide customer service to company customers.
- Linux, 6%
Installed Linux RedHat operating system software onto server platform.
- VMware, 5%
Worked with SQL database developer to create the VMware view database and importing required tables.
- Vmware Esxi, 5%
Upgraded ESXi on remote servers from 4.1 to 5.0 and then 5.1.
- Windows Server, 5%
Sole Windows Servers Administrator at USA Corporate Headquarters for cement manufacturing company.
- HVAC, 4%
Monitor and troubleshoot data center infrastructure issues (HVAC, UPS, Generator).
Most data center administrators use their skills in "customer service," "linux," and "vmware" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential data center administrator responsibilities here:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a data center administrator to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what data center administrators do because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Additionally, a data center administrator resume shows how data center administrators use communication skills: "promote and communicate the data center operations managers/company strategies and communication. "
Analytical skills. Many data center administrator duties rely on analytical skills. "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change.," so a data center administrator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways data center administrator responsibilities rely on analytical skills: "recommended installation of aperture asset management system to interface with remedy asset data base. "
Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for data center administrators to perform their duties. For an example of how data center administrator responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a data center administrator: "managed the daily operation of the noc which includes provisioning servers, ticket handling and resolution and internal escalations. ".
The three companies that hire the most data center administrators are:
- TWO95 International4 data center administrators jobs
- Paycom3 data center administrators jobs
- TEKsystems3 data center administrators jobs
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Compare different data center administrators
Data center 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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a data center administrator are more likely to require skills like "hvac," "raid," "data centers," and "ethernet." On the other hand, a job as an information technology administrator requires skills like "troubleshoot," "database," "os," and "sql server." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Information technology administrators earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $93,678. On the other hand, data center administrators are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $68,044.On average, information technology administrators reach similar levels of education than data center administrators. Information technology administrators are 0.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Data center administrator vs. Systems administrator lead
A systems administrator lead is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing procedures for critical enterprise systems. Typical duties of systems administrators include managing the day-to-day operations of a company's computer and network systems, developing new application and system implementation plans, and establishing guidelines for installing and managing the organization's computer operating systems. In addition, you are expected to ensure the security of computer systems by preventing unauthorized use, user abuse, and acts of nature.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, data center administrator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "vmware," "hvac," and "lan wan." Meanwhile, a systems administrator lead has duties that require skills in areas such as "project management," "database," "dod," and "escalation support." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Systems administrator leads earn a higher average salary than data center administrators. But systems administrator leads earn the highest pay in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $103,205. Additionally, data center administrators earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $68,044 annually.systems administrator leads earn similar levels of education than data center administrators in general. They're 2.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Data center administrator vs. Security administrator
A security administrator is in charge of establishing and enforcing security measures over a company's information systems and networks. Their duties typically revolve around installing and maintaining security networks, analyzing existing systems to identify areas needing improvement, conducting regular maintenance checks and upgrades to optimize services and functions, and monitoring overall systems for any suspicious activities or breaches. Furthermore, as a security administrator, it is essential to develop information technology solutions in adherence to the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, data center administrators are more likely to have skills like "vmware esxi," "windows server," "hvac," and "disaster recovery." But a security administrator is more likely to have skills like "troubleshoot," "security procedures," "data entry," and "sci."
Security administrators make a very good living in the government industry with an average annual salary of $91,933. On the other hand, data center administrators are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $68,044.When it comes to education, security administrators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to data center administrators. In fact, they're 0.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Data center administrator vs. Data center technician
A data center technician is an information technology (IT) professional who ensures the optimal performance of data servers and network of a data center. Datacenter technicians are required to protect company data by preventing the overheating of data center components and replace failing parts promptly. They need to collaborate with software and network engineers to work on the organization's cybersecurity and network efficiency. Datacenter technicians must keep track of developing trends in data center technologies and provide advice about the procurement of new data center equipment.
Types of data center administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
