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What is a network administrator and how to become one
A network administrator is an individual responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. Their job includes installing, configuring, and upgrading network hardware and software, as well as monitoring network performance to ensure smooth operation. They also troubleshoot and resolve network issues, implement security measures, and perform regular backups. Network administrators collaborate with other IT professionals to develop and implement network policies and procedures, and stay up-to-date with new technology developments.
What general advice would you give to a network administrator?
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies for the Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Assistant Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington
Avg. Salary $71,357
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%
Asian 9.62%
Black or African American 8.80%
Hispanic or Latino 12.49%
Unknown 5.08%
White 63.71%
Genderfemale 11.42%
male 88.58%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being a network administrator?
Pros
High demand for network administrators
Competitive salary and benefits
Opportunity for career advancement
Opportunity to troubleshoot and solve complex problems
Satisfaction in ensuring networks are secure and running smoothly
Cons
High stress and pressure to maintain network uptime
Long hours, including on-call availability
Dealing with difficult clients or colleagues
Constantly evolving technology, requiring ongoing education and training
Risk of cyber attacks and network breaches, leading to potential liability for the administrator
Network administrator career paths
Key steps to become a network administrator
Explore network administrator education requirements
Start to develop specific network administrator skills
Skills Percentages Switches 6.70% Windows Server 5.64% Troubleshoot 5.03% Network Hardware 4.93% Routers 4.38% Complete relevant network administrator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New 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 network administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network administrator resumes.Gain additional network administrator certifications
More About CertificationsNetwork 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 network administrator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for network administrators include Network 5 Certification and CompTIA Network+.
Research network administrator duties and responsibilities
- Lead and manage desktop standards project.
- Manage backups using EMC Networker and Avamar.
- Manage Solarwinds to monitor servers and networks for all locations.
- Manage all provisioning and technical issues for new customer IP blocks.
Prepare your network administrator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your 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 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 network administrator resume templates
Build a professional 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 network administrator resume.
Apply for network administrator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a network administrator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first network administrator job
Are you a network administrator?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average network administrator salary
The average network administrator salary in the United States is $71,357 per year or $34 per hour. Network administrator salaries range between $56,000 and $90,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do network administrators rate their job?
Network administrator reviews
I enjoy the challenges and learning new things . Technology is always evolving.
I love the fact that I have self taught myself by trouble shooting issues for fifteen years while working in corrections as the Video court officer with no prior experince or degree
I dislike the fact that I don't get paid as a Video technician although I'm called to fix issues
User is not available for investigation how hardware and software had problem.
Network administrator FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
