How To Become A Junior Network/Systems Administrator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a junior network/systems administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Laura Kier

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a junior network/systems administrator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $28.88 an hour? That's $60,062 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 18,200 job opportunities across the U.S.

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

Laura Kier

Network Design and Administration Instructor

Students graduating from the Computer Network Design and Administration program will enter the job market with a solid foundation in networking technologies. Above that they should also be able to develop and demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Networking has a strong emphasis on teamwork and being able to communicate well with customers, co-workers and teammates is vital. Attaining certifications in Cisco, Linux, Windows, and security will also help the student stand out within the industry (classes in the program help to learn the knowledge needed to attain certifications). Students should participate in any local or online communities and groups to enhance skills and knowledge and find networking opportunities.

ScoreJunior Network/Systems AdministratorUS Average

Salary

4.7

Avg. Salary $60,062

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 8.80%

Black or African American 8.76%

Hispanic or Latino 12.45%

Unknown 5.07%

White 64.60%

Gender

female 12.26%

male 87.74%

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

Key steps to become a junior network/systems administrator

Explore junior network/systems administrator education requirements

Most common junior network/systems administrator degrees

Bachelor's

56.1 %

Associate

34.8 %

High School Diploma

4.5 %

Start to develop specific junior network/systems administrator skills

Skills	Percentages
Troubleshoot	18.64%
Windows Server	9.84%
VPN	9.47%
VoIP	8.62%
Linux	6.20%

Complete relevant junior network/systems administrator training and internships

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

Research junior network/systems administrator duties and responsibilities

Configure and manage telecommunication lines and programme VOIP phone systems to ensure full functionality of communications systems.
Stage new switches and servers for remote branch office ..
Help users troubleshoot network issues and other desktop issues.
Create PC software / hardware images for future computer installs or rebuilds.

Prepare your junior network/systems administrator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your junior network/systems administrator resume.

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