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What is an infrastructure administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Bill McGinley

For those individuals who enjoy computers and networking, a career as an infrastructure administrator can be a rewarding vocation. The main responsibility of an infrastructure administrator is to keep networks, computers, and communication systems in a business, organization, or university functioning smoothly. These individuals possess strong analytical and troubleshooting skills and have a wide knowledge of telecommunications, computer networks, computer hardware, computer networking software, and related technologies.

An infrastructure administrator is responsible for managing computer and server backup systems, as well as a security camera, and workplace lighting systems as well. These individuals typically work in an office environment, and are responsible for running help desk operations, and responding to staff and customer requests to set up computers, email accounts, and general IT services. Infrastructure administrators should have strong communication and teamwork skills, as their duties also require the triage of help desk telephone calls, and working with clients and coworkers.

Although many infrastructure administrators have a bachelor's degree or a certificate in computer science, computer networking, IT, or related areas, an advanced degree is not necessarily a requirement, as many employers are willing to train their staff. Many can make up to $85,000 per year, and this field is expected to grow in the US by 4% by 2029.

What general advice would you give to an infrastructure administrator?

Bill McGinleyBill McGinley LinkedIn profile

President & CEO, American College of Health Care Administrators

LTC administrators should have at least a bachelor's degree in business or a healthcare-related field. A well-rounded internship that exposes the future administrator to all aspects of the operation is essential. Needed skills include business, marketing, finance, operations, management and leadership.
Post pandemic opportunities will be nationwide in this field with a greater need in rural areas.
Technology will continue to play a big role in the field. Computerized medical records, census management, and all clinical areas will continue to dominate. Online meetings are liable to continue as well, as employers realize that there is a savings to be gained by not having people travel to meetings and conferences.
ScoreInfrastructure AdministratorUS Average
Salary
7.3

Avg. Salary $93,079

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 13.88%

Black or African American 7.96%

Hispanic or Latino 11.68%

Unknown 5.01%

White 61.16%

Gender

female 9.61%

male 90.39%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Infrastructure administrator career paths

Key steps to become an infrastructure administrator

  1. Explore infrastructure administrator education requirements

    Most common infrastructure administrator degrees

    Bachelor's

    58.9 %

    Associate

    23.8 %

    Master's

    12.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific infrastructure administrator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Troubleshoot9.58%
    Linux6.56%
    Windows Server6.29%
    OS4.22%
    PowerShell4.02%
  3. Complete relevant infrastructure administrator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New infrastructure 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 infrastructure administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real infrastructure administrator resumes.
  4. Research infrastructure administrator duties and responsibilities

    • Manage allocate SAN storage and HBA configuration.
    • Manage, upgrade, and troubleshot ShoreTel VOIP network.
    • Manage all SSL certificates as well as internal and external DNS services for the organization.
    • Used SCCM to manage resources, software distribution, inventory, build software packages, and troubleshoot fail installs.
  5. Prepare your infrastructure administrator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your infrastructure 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 infrastructure 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 infrastructure administrator resume templates

    Build a professional infrastructure 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 infrastructure administrator resume.
    Infrastructure Administrator Resume
    Infrastructure Administrator Resume
    Infrastructure Administrator Resume
    Infrastructure Administrator Resume
    Infrastructure Administrator Resume
    Infrastructure Administrator Resume
    Infrastructure Administrator Resume
    Infrastructure Administrator Resume
    Infrastructure Administrator Resume
  6. Apply for infrastructure administrator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an infrastructure administrator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first infrastructure administrator job

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Average infrastructure administrator salary

The average infrastructure administrator salary in the United States is $93,079 per year or $45 per hour. Infrastructure administrator salaries range between $66,000 and $129,000 per year.

Average infrastructure administrator salary
$93,079 Yearly
$44.75 hourly

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How do infrastructure administrators rate their job?

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Infrastructure administrator reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

New challenges in medical working environment

Cons

every day i learn new think,because i have background of computer science and i have to taring the non IT technical awareness staff


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

talking to people

Cons

outside weather, I work as a network technician and the main problem I always encounter is the cold weather.


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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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