What does a junior network administrator do?
Junior network administrators are entry-level information technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for assisting senior administrators to establish and set up new computer networks for an organization. These junior administrators are required to monitor computer networks while providing network security to avoid any suspected activities on the computer network systems. They are in charge of purchasing computer components and software that are needed for the daily operations of the organization. Junior network administrators must also educate their non-network employees so that they can properly use computers and perform timely maintenance.
Junior network administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real junior network administrator resumes:
- 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.
- Modify existing and create new DNS entries.
- Design and setup static & dynamic TCP/IP addresses.
- Analyze, document, plan and execute server OS patching process
- Execute SQL scripts and perform data analysis on resulting data.
- Install, configure, administer SQL server for RightFax application.
- Perform troubleshooting on printers, network equipment, and VOIP faxing equipment.
- Implement VMware to consolidate server space and reduce server lifetime operating costs.
- Maintain network servers such as file servers, VPN gateways, intrusion detection systems.
- Maintain current and up to date deployment images of all OS within the company.
Junior network administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Junior Network Administrators are proficient in Windows Server, Troubleshoot, and Network Hardware. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Junior Network Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Windows Server, 7%
Performed network administration routine in Windows Server environment.
- Troubleshoot, 6%
Facilitated minor networking issues for other technicians to troubleshoot.
- Network Hardware, 6%
Provided the initial tier of technical support for network hardware and services.
- Switches, 6%
Managed production switches and routers during manufacturing facility move to Mexico ensuring uninterrupted service at optimal levels.
- Desk Support, 5%
Provided excellent help desk support for internet customers troubleshooting OS and Hardware/Modem issues.
- Remote Desktop, 4%
Provided Tier 2 technical support for the company's five offices via phone, e-mail and remote desktop.
Common skills that a junior network administrator uses to do their job include "windows server," "troubleshoot," and "network hardware." You can find details on the most important junior network administrator responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a junior network administrator to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what junior network administrators do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a junior network administrator resume shows how junior network administrators use analytical skills: "monitor network performance and produce network analysis report. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling junior network administrator duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." According to a junior network administrator resume, here's how junior network administrators can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "installed, configured, maintained, supported, and optimized all network hardware, software, and communication links. "
Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of junior network administrators is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday junior network administrator duties, as "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "monitor and maintain symantec backup exec dlo backup solution. "
The three companies that hire the most junior network administrators are:
- Peraton4 junior network administrators jobs
- Conduent2 junior network administrators jobs
- Resource Management2 junior network administrators jobs
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Compare different junior network administrators
Junior network administrator vs. 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. They also assist customers with the installation of programs and updates to improve system performance, escalating high-level concerns to appropriate internal technology teams. A technical support engineer must have strong command with technical systems, as well as excellent communication and time-management skills to understand clients' issues while documenting procedures.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a junior network administrator are more likely to require skills like "network hardware," "desk support," "remote desktop," and "firewall." On the other hand, a job as a technical support engineer requires skills like "customer service," "java," "customer issues," and "database." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Technical support engineers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $82,316. Comparatively, junior network administrators tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $50,692.The education levels that technical support engineers earn slightly differ from junior network administrators. In particular, technical support engineers are 5.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a junior network administrator. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Junior network administrator vs. 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. An intern may also participate in creating business plans, optimizing existing systems, attending meetings, conducting market research and analysis, and handling issues and concerns in adherence to the company's policies and regulations.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, junior network administrator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "desk support," "remote desktop," "ftp," and "technical support." Meanwhile, a network internship has duties that require skills in areas such as "python," "c++," "customer service," and "facebook." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
In general, network interns achieve higher levels of education than junior network administrators. They're 5.3% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for junior network administrators in the next 3-5 years?
Babak Beheshti Ph.D.
Dean, Professor, New York Institute of Technology
-We will be witnessing a more widespread commercial deployment of 5G in 2020. With the implementation of the Standalone 5G devices based on the 3gpp release 16, we should be seeing the more robust mobile broadband deployment of 5G, wider availability of 5G smartphones, and a push towards an all 5G Network in select urban areas around the world.
-Significant growth in AI-based technologies, from face recognition and voice recognition to business intelligence and market predictions. As machines and deep learning algorithms get integrated into many applications, many industries will undergo substantial changes. AI systems will continue to interact with our phones; cars will interpret and analyze their surroundings and intelligently drive themselves. Online vendors will monitor our browsing habits, and Google decides what kind of search results to give us, based on who it thinks we are.
Junior network administrator vs. Network support technician
A network support technician specializes in optimizing a company's information technology (IT) networks for a smooth and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting, installing systems, executing upgrades, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing corrective measures as needed. They must also coordinate with staff in developing new IT systems, evaluate existing networks for areas needing improvement, and develop protocols while adhering to the company's policies and regulations. Furthermore, as a network support technician, it is essential to maintain regular network maintenance checks to ensure the security and safety of company data.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from junior network administrator resumes include skills like "pc," "ftp," "firewall," and "symantec backup exec," whereas a network support technician is more likely to list skills in "customer service," "provides technical support," "pcs," and "software support. "
Network support technicians earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $48,633. Comparatively, junior network administrators have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $50,692.When it comes to education, network support technicians tend to earn similar degree levels compared to junior network administrators. In fact, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Junior network administrator vs. Desktop/network support
A desktop/network support is responsible for assisting end-users and customers on their computer and network issues, performing troubleshooting procedures, and guiding them with the step-by-step resolution. Desktop/network supports handle system configuration and upgrades of network components to increase efficiency and optimal performance. They also identify the source of defects by asking questions and creating support tickets for the users. A desktop/network support must have excellent technical and communication skills, especially in writing resolution reports for reference to avoid the reoccurrence of system malfunctions.
Types of junior network administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
