Q: Is it hard to be a network administrator?

Yes, it is hard to be a network administrator. In fact, most people in the industry agree that it is one of the most challenging aspects of modern IT. Every single network is different, so it takes highly specialized skills and understanding to be able to configure and troubleshoot them.

Q: Is being a network administrator a good career?

Yes, being a network administrator is a good career. This is especially true if you enjoy working with both hardware and software and managing others. In addition, one survey of tech CIOs reported network administration as one of the top three in-demand skills for the industry. Systems and networks make up the backbone of most companies, so a career in network administration is bound to be a fulfilling one.

Q: What jobs are available for network administrators?

There are many jobs available for network administrators. The employment of network administrators is expected to grow by as much as 31% through 2024. Network administrators can work in computer systems design, cybersecurity, large or small tech companies, and many other related areas.

Question 1

Network Administrator vs. Network Engineer

Accepted Answer

A network administrator is a tech professional who focuses on maintaining a network, while a network engineer is a tech professional who focuses on the design and development of a network.

Question 2

How long does it take to become a Network Administrator?

Accepted Answer

It takes 4 years of professional experience to become a network administrator. That is the time it takes to learn specific network administrator skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 7 to 9 years years to become a network administrator.

Question 3

Is it hard to be a network administrator?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is hard to be a network administrator. In fact, most people in the industry agree that it is one of the most challenging aspects of modern IT. Every single network is different, so it takes highly specialized skills and understanding to be able to configure and troubleshoot them.

Question 4

What certifications do I need to be a network administrator?

Accepted Answer

To be a network administrator, you need to be certified and have obtained a bachelor's degree. However, specific certifications can vary depending on the company you wish to work for and what network software they use.

Question 5

What should I study to become a network administrator?

Accepted Answer

While most employees require a four-year degree to become a network administrator, it is possible to find a position if you hold at least an associate's degree or have completed the correct certification.

Question 6

What is a good starting salary for a Network Administrator?

Accepted Answer

A good starting salary for a network administrator is $61,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a network administrator in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for network administrators is $78,252, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a network administrator can vary by state.

Question 7

Can a network administrator make 100k?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a network administrator. The chances of earning over $100k for a network administrator are actually pretty good because the highest-paid network administrator positions typically pay at least $99,000 per year. The average annual salary is $78,252 for network administrator jobs. For example, network administrators in Washington whose salaries are in the 90th percentile earn an average salary of $131,000.

Question 8

Is being a network administrator a good career?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being a network administrator is a good career. This is especially true if you enjoy working with both hardware and software and managing others.

In addition, one survey of tech CIOs reported network administration as one of the top three in-demand skills for the industry. Systems and networks make up the backbone of most companies, so a career in network administration is bound to be a fulfilling one.

Question 9

What is the starting salary for a network administrator?

Accepted Answer

The starting salary for a network administrator is about $52,000 a year, on average. However, once you get past entry-level positions, the average salary goes up to about $84,000 a year. As with any job, salaries can vary depending on location and other factors.

Question 10

What jobs are available for network administrators?

Accepted Answer

There are many jobs available for network administrators. The employment of network administrators is expected to grow by as much as 31% through 2024. Network administrators can work in computer systems design, cybersecurity, large or small tech companies, and many other related areas.

Question 11

What are the qualifications of a network administrator?

Accepted Answer

The qualifications of a network engineer are generally a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as computer and information technology. There are some employees that may accept someone with a postsecondary certificate or someone with an associate's degree who also has proven experience.

Like many other jobs in tech, higher degrees are often necessary for more advanced, senior roles. If you are seeking a career path like that, a master's or doctorate degree will be necessary. Higher education will also increase earning potential and the potential to work in a variety of positions.

To bolster your starting salary, experience is recommended. Many universities will offer internships for undergraduate students. This will help you to gain the necessary experience. Some certifications can also be done before and during your career that will help you to qualify for more roles and increase your earning potential.

Question 12

What percentage of Network Administrators are female?

Accepted Answer

12.9% of network administrators are female in the United States. This is 1.5 percentage points higher than last year. Additionally, the percentage of female network administrators has decreased by -0.1 percentage points since 2010. That means there are a total of 44,257 female network administrators in the U.S. and 298,826 male network administrators in the United States. Note that Zippia's estimate accounts only for the 343,083 people with the specific job title of network administrator and doesn't include grouping similar job titles, or people with potentially similar credentialing.

Question 13

How do I write a network administrator resume?

Accepted Answer

You write a network administrator resume by highlighting your technical expertise and hard skills to oversee the setup, configuration, and maintenance of wired or wireless networks.

Network administrators understand the importance of setting things up correctly and ensuring a smooth flow of information; your resume should also do just that.

Question 14

What are the skills required for a network administrator?

Accepted Answer

The skills required for a network administrator job are the right mixture of technical knowledge (e.g., WPNLAN), hard skills (e.g., network configuration), and soft skills (e.g., problem-solving). A network administrator requires specific skills and training to set up, configure, and maintain wired or wireless networks.

Question 15

What is a network administrator's job description?

Accepted Answer

A network administrator's job description is to ensure the stable operation of the company's network infrastructure. This includes all aspects of planning, developing, installing, configuring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing company network equipment and infrastructure.

Question 16

What is the demand for network administrators?

Accepted Answer

The demand for network administrators is projected to reflect 3% growth from 2021-2031. This is considered a slightly below-average growth rate for any profession. This means the demand for network administrators, while not extremely low, is lower than average.

Frequently asked questions about network administrators

Questions about becoming a network administrator