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What is a junior network administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Ranganathan Chandrasekaran

The role of a Junior Network Administrator, also known as JNA, is to design, install, modify, and maintain a number of computer networks.

A JNA's most obvious duty is to create and run networks in the best manner possible. This involves regularly examining and fixing a number of computers, routers, printers, cables, and other tools and technology. They are also generally tasked with always improving the systems in their charge and the efficiency and may need to tutor employees on the use of these systems.

A person seeking to work as a Junior Network Administrator should generally have a Bachelor's degree in IT or Computer Science or a similar subject. Aside from the technical knowledge, the individual should also have good problem-solving and communication skills, as well as a few years of experience working with computers or in an otherwise relevant position. Certification in some skills may also be necessary.

What general advice would you give to a junior network administrator?

Ranganathan ChandrasekaranRanganathan Chandrasekaran LinkedIn profile

Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, University of Illinois

As we roll into another month of the COVID-19 pandemic, graduating students are facing one of the worst moments of their lives. They face several uncertainties; due to financial challenges, uncertainty about completing their degrees on time, adjusting to online and hybrid modes of learning, and worst of all, facing the worst job market. As a result, I see the stress and anxiety levels among the graduating students to be significantly higher, at levels I have not experienced in my academic career.

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.
ScoreJunior Network AdministratorUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $51,121

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 11.32%

Black or African American 8.76%

Hispanic or Latino 12.45%

Unknown 5.07%

White 62.08%

Gender

female 12.32%

male 87.68%

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

Junior network administrator career paths

Key steps to become a junior network administrator

  1. Explore junior network administrator education requirements

    Most common junior network administrator degrees

    Bachelor's

    51.4 %

    Associate

    34.3 %

    High School Diploma

    4.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific junior network administrator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Windows Server7.24%
    Troubleshoot6.46%
    Network Hardware6.42%
    Switches6.13%
    Desk Support5.36%
  3. Complete relevant junior network administrator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New junior network 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 a junior network administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real junior network administrator resumes.
  4. Gain additional junior network administrator certifications

    Junior network administrator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific junior network administrator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for junior network administrators include Network 5 Certification and CompTIA Network+.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research junior network administrator duties and responsibilities

    • Design and implement VoIP offices, manage unity voice mail and unify messaging system.
    • Manage production switches and routers during manufacturing facility move to Mexico ensuring uninterrupt service at optimal levels.
    • Implement and manage clustered virtual machine environments, utilizing multiple operating systems to include server and workstations.
    • Provide assistance in integration of DNS, DHCP and other IP conflicts.
  6. Prepare your junior network administrator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your junior network 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 a junior network 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 junior network administrator resume templates

    Build a professional junior network 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 junior network administrator resume.
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    Junior Network Administrator Resume
    Junior Network Administrator Resume
    Junior Network Administrator Resume
    Junior Network Administrator Resume
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    Junior Network Administrator Resume
    Junior Network Administrator Resume
    Junior Network Administrator Resume
  7. Apply for junior network administrator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a junior network 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 junior network administrator job

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Average junior network administrator salary

The average junior network administrator salary in the United States is $51,121 per year or $25 per hour. Junior network administrator salaries range between $39,000 and $66,000 per year.

Average junior network administrator salary
$51,121 Yearly
$24.58 hourly

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Junior network administrator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023
Pros

You get to help a lot of people in many different ways as well as learning new things about technology

Cons

I have aids now due to the painfulness of sitting down all day


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

I decided to go to technical support because I've been fascinated by technology all my life and I love working with the people as well. I want to use my technical know-how to solve directly the problems that customers have. I want to be the person who makes life easier and more enjoyable for people who have had a problem. This is what I like most as a technical Support.

Cons

I don't like sitting around being inactive. So I'll keep my self always busy


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020
Pros

I enjoy the challenges and learning new things . Technology is always evolving.

Cons

Customer is unwilling to provide you with necessary information in order to assist them.


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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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