Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is an information systems administrator and how to become one
As an Information System Administrator, you are responsible for the upkeep, configurations, and reliable operation of computer systems. You will take care of multi-user computers like servers. You are the one responsible for the day-to-day operation of networks. You will also organize, install and support an organization's computer systems. This includes local area networks, wide areas networks, network segments, intranets, and other data communications systems. Being a system administrator is a good career and one that is growing.
Most employers look for Information Systems Administrators who have a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. You will also need three to five years of experience in system administration. As an Information System Administrator, you can make a median yearly salary of $65,000. As you gain more experience and education, you will, of course, be able to make more.
What general advice would you give to an information systems administrator?
Ranganathan Chandrasekaran
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, University of Illinois
Several businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and they have rolled back their offers made to students for internships and jobs. Businesses have also resorted to downsizing and layoffs, and we are likely to see that continue, at least in the near term. However, two sectors that are showing promises of a quick turnaround are technology and healthcare.
It might take many months for the economy to get back on track, but the demand for information systems graduates is likely to grow, as a large number of businesses have turned to increased use of technology in this pandemic period. As more companies go digital, we need more professionals to manage the remote-work, technological infrastructure and meet the other demands of the business. Students pursuing education in information systems, computer science, and healthcare are going to be in greater demand.
On the positive side, the uncertainties induced by the pandemic have also helped students to prepare themselves better for a tougher job market. I found many students rise up and use the lockdown period to have a serious introspection and invest their time and effort in upgrading their knowledge and skills. The internship drought and rescinding of job/internship offers brought their dreams crashing down, but I found several students to quickly get over their disappointments, and engage in improving their skillsets utilizing the pandemic lockdown as an opportunity. I am aware of many students, especially in the information systems disciple, who spent time doing online courses, completing certification programs, and take up DIY projects on data analysis, developing analytical and forecasting models, and visualization of various aspects of the pandemic. The pandemic has resulted in massive amounts of data, released by several organizations worldwide, that have provided a stimulant for students to indulge in DIY-projects. I had several students approach me over summer to do some projects, and we have done some interesting projects using public datasets related to COVID-19.
Avg. Salary $79,194
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%
Asian 8.70%
Black or African American 9.19%
Hispanic or Latino 12.86%
Unknown 5.11%
White 63.83%
Genderfemale 25.66%
male 74.34%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Information systems administrator career paths
Key steps to become an information systems administrator
Explore information systems administrator education requirements
Start to develop specific information systems administrator skills
Skills Percentages Linux 13.32% Troubleshoot 10.25% OS 8.08% Unix 7.45% Virtualization 5.83% Complete relevant information systems administrator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New information systems 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 an information systems administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real information systems administrator resumes.Research information systems administrator duties and responsibilities
- Manage mission critical Linux systems which track all data relating to rotary wing aircraft.
- Institute, manage, and document procedures for UNIX systems security, maintenance, and backup.
- Install/Configure managed switches to increase network speed
- Manage the company Novell network including relate equipment.
Prepare your information systems administrator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your information systems 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 an information systems administrator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable information systems administrator resume templates
Build a professional information systems administrator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your information systems administrator resume.
Apply for information systems administrator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an information systems administrator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first information systems administrator job
Are you an information systems administrator?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average information systems administrator salary
The average information systems administrator salary in the United States is $79,194 per year or $38 per hour. Information systems administrator salaries range between $60,000 and $104,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do information systems administrators rate their job?
Information systems administrator reviews
Working with The people
There was nothing to like. Everyone was polite an hard workers
talking to people
outside weather, I work as a network technician and the main problem I always encounter is the cold weather.
Updated January 8, 2025
