How to hire a junior network administrator

How to hire a junior network administrator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step junior network administrator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a junior network administrator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new junior network administrator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a junior network administrator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The junior network administrator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A junior network administrator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, junior network administrators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of junior network administrator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Junior Network Administrator	Description	Hourly rate
   Junior Network Administrator	Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.	$18-31
   Technical Support Engineer	A technical support engineer is responsible for responding to customer issues, providing immediate resolutions to their system issues through remote assistance. Technical support engineers must have strong knowledge of software and hardware applications to diagnose system defects and process troubleshooting... Show more	$29-57
   Network Internship	In a network internship, an intern's duties depend on the directives of a manager or supervisor. They typically perform support and beginner tasks, such as processing and organizing documentation, liaising with potential clients through calls and correspondence, greeting visitors, answering inquiries, and running errands... Show more	$12-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Windows Server
   • Troubleshoot
   • Network Hardware
   • Switches
   • Desk Support
   • Remote Desktop
   • Routers
   • Lan
   • PC
   • FTP
   • Technical Support
   • Lan Wan
   • VPN
   • User Accounts

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Key monitor for the maintenance and configuration of a DHCP and DNS server.
   • Plan and install new networks including servers, patch panels, switches, routers and modems as the customer need.

   More junior network administrator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your junior network administrator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A junior network administrator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, junior network administrators' average salary in missouri is 26% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level junior network administrators earn 41% less than senior-level junior network administrators.
   • Certifications. A junior network administrator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a junior network administrator's salary.

   Average junior network administrator salary

   $51,121yearly

   $24.58 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level junior network administrator salary

   $39,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average junior network administrator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$56,812	$27
   2	Washington	$56,075	$27
   3	Oregon	$54,674	$26
   4	New York	$54,336	$26
   5	Pennsylvania	$52,601	$25
   6	Virginia	$52,246	$25
   7	Texas	$51,796	$25
   8	North Carolina	$51,747	$25
   9	Arizona	$51,177	$25
   10	Kansas	$46,571	$22
   11	Maryland	$46,327	$22
   12	District of Columbia	$46,047	$22
   13	Florida	$45,669	$22
   14	Missouri	$42,885	$21

   Average junior network administrator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Exegy	$57,841	$27.81
   2	HCL Technologies	$57,617	$27.70	2
   3	Resource Management	$57,078	$27.44	12
   4	On Top of the World Communities	$56,392	$27.11
   5	ARA	$55,099	$26.49	8
   6	Kittelson & Associates	$54,107	$26.01
   7	General Dynamics	$53,588	$25.76	269
   8	Jones-Onslow Electric Membership Corporation	$52,339	$25.16
   9	Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES	$52,315	$25.15
   10	Vencore	$50,748	$24.40	1
   11	Gaudenzia	$50,174	$24.12
   12	Alliance Defending Freedom	$48,695	$23.41	4
   13	Standard Motor Products	$48,500	$23.32
   14	Saint Francis Community Services Inc	$46,728	$22.47
   15	Peraton	$46,541	$22.38	140
   16	SSSI	$45,514	$21.88
   17	Robert Half	$45,410	$21.83	427
   18	Vets Plus	$44,106	$21.20
   19	Hutchinson Clinic	$40,002	$19.23
   20	CompuCom Systems Inc	$39,682	$19.08	34

4. Writing a junior network administrator job description

   A junior network administrator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a junior network administrator job description:

   Junior network administrator job description example

   "Equal Opportunity Employer-minorities/women/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity"
   SUMMARY DESCRIPTION : The Junior Network Administrator assists in maintaining the stable operation of the Cooperative's computer and telephony network. This includes assisting in identifying, designing, installing, configuring and maintaining network connections, servers, software, phone and data circuits. They will troubleshoot network issues, as well as end-user hardware and software issues.
   REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS : Reports to: Vice President of Information Technology Directs: None
   EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE : Associates degree in an information technology related field plus 2 years of experience in the IT field or a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited College or University in Computer Science and/or Information Systems Management preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Knowledge of Cisco Products, Apple Devices, Windows and Linux servers and Basic Networking skillset is preferred.
   
   PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ;
   Assist in the installation, updates and upgrades of network devices. This includes, but is not limited to, routers, servers, and switches. Assist in upgrades to Voice Over IP (VoIP) Phone system, which includes Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Cisco Unity, and Webex Contact Center. Other phone system equipment included is the Centurion IVR and Scout, which is critical to the functionality of the Operations Center. Troubleshoot all new telephone sites and extensions, voice mail and phone functions (Additions, Moves, Changes). Assist in maintaining the End-Point Security systems, such as Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), Cisco Secure Endpoint, Carbon Black and Cisco AnyConnect, Web Filtering, Email Filtering, and reporting systems required to not only provide a secure network but also meet compliance requirements. Assist in managing the storage and virtualization environment. The storage system which includes a Hyper-Converged system, Nutanix. The virtualization environment is VMware with multiple ESXi Hosts, VCenter, VM's and VDI environment. Assist in network system (phone and computer) design to maintain reliability, efficiency and future capacity needs of the network. Assist in managing backup and restore instances leveraging Snap Shots, Rubrik, Data Domain and other applications self contained on a server. Participate in the monitoring of network devices, computer and phone servers, processes, circuits and power required to provide maximum uptime for Jones-Onslow's network and telephony systems. Support remote access for corporate assets and users. Remote access will be defined as applications, clients, and/or tunnels. Assist in the diagnoses and implementation of solutions of devices connected to the corporate network including, but not limited to, network and phone system devices, servers, printers, PCs, laptops and UPS systems. Participate in the support of upgrade cycles of applications. Understand the business processes of the organization and how technology currently assists in those processes and look for other opportunities to assist in business efficiencies. Assist in documentation of network, assets and processes. Assist in special projects as required. Attend and participate in calls, conferences, training, and webinars, as the position requires. Assist in disaster recovery planning, testing, and implementation. Provide 24-hour coverage of network and phone systems. Perform remote troubleshooting through diagnostic techniques and pertinent questions. Determine the best solution based on the issue and details provided by customers. Walk the customer through the problem-solving process. Direct unresolved issues to the next level of support personnel. Provide accurate information on IT products or services. Record events, problems, and their resolution in logs. Follow-up and update customer status and information. Pass on any feedback or suggestions by customers to the appropriate internal team. Identify and suggest possible improvements on procedures.
   KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES : Ability to work with employees, contractors and customers in a courteous and patient manner. Must have strong customer service skills. Must have the ability to work independently. Must have the ability to understand written instructions and request clarification when needed. Must possess the skills to communicate with users in order to diagnose system problems. Self-motivated and self-directed. Good analytical skills. Ability to prioritize and execute tasks to completion. Ability to work as a team member. Ability to lift and transport moderately heavy objects such as computers, monitors and other peripherals. Knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Server, Macintosh and Linux is preferred.
   ON THE JOB TRAINING : On-site and Off-site Training courses. Vendor site visits.
   WORKING CONDITIONS : Normal working conditions inside office building with heat and air conditioning. Regular office hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, except company observed holidays. On-call 7x24x365. Position is in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Should live near or within the community.
   
   EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE : This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job, and "other" duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
   This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position and this job description is subject to change at any time at management's sole discretion. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by Chief Executive Officer. All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find junior network administrators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your junior network administrator job on Zippia to find and recruit junior network administrator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit junior network administrators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   Sometimes, it's not enough to interview junior network administrator candidates, so you can ask them to do a test project. If you are not a technical person and don't know what a test project should be, you can use these websites:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new junior network administrator

   Once you've decided on a perfect junior network administrator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new junior network administrator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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