Network administrator vs junior systems administrator

The differences between network administrators and junior systems administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a network administrator and a junior systems administrator. Additionally, a network administrator has an average salary of $71,357, which is higher than the $62,225 average annual salary of a junior systems administrator.

The top three skills for a network administrator include switches, windows server and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a junior systems administrator are windows server, troubleshoot, and technical support.

Network administrator vs junior systems administrator overview

	Network Administrator	Junior Systems Administrator
Yearly salary	$71,357	$62,225
Hourly rate	$34.31	$29.92
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	106,886	154,134
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a network administrator do?

A network administrator is responsible for managing an organization's computer systems, ensuring its smooth operations and highest efficiency. Network administrators' duties include inspecting network malfunctions, troubleshooting unresponsive programs, improving system processes, analyzing client's specifications, upgrading existing applications, coordinating with the technology department, and creating a report of network issues resolutions. A network administrator should display a strong command of programming languages. Extensive knowledge in the technology industry and analytical and problem-solving skills to manage network problems immediately is also necessary.

What does a junior systems administrator do?

A junior systems administrator is primarily responsible for handling and maintaining systems for users while under the supervision of a more experienced systems administrator. Their responsibilities often revolve around assisting senior administrators, troubleshooting support, providing installations and configurations, and handling inquiries and concerns, providing them with corrective measures. Aside from support tasks, one may also have administrative duties such as producing reports and presentations, managing schedules, and maintaining accurate data of all transactions. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to all the policies and regulations of the company.

Network administrator vs junior systems administrator salary

Network administrators and junior systems administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Network Administrator	Junior Systems Administrator
Average salary	$71,357	$62,225
Salary range	Between $56,000 And $90,000	Between $51,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	Washington
Best paying company	Google	Jacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industry	Finance	Finance

Differences between network administrator and junior systems administrator education

There are a few differences between a network administrator and a junior systems administrator in terms of educational background:

	Network Administrator	Junior Systems Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	University of Pennsylvania

Network administrator vs junior systems administrator demographics

Here are the differences between network administrators' and junior systems administrators' demographics:

	Network Administrator	Junior Systems Administrator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4%	Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 9.6% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 12.1% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between network administrator and junior systems administrator duties and responsibilities

Network administrator example 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.
Deploy and manage storage (windows file servers and NetApp NAS).
Manage all technology: Novell, Microsoft, Cisco, email, library, labs, dorms, programs

Junior systems administrator example responsibilities.

Manage Linux servers, running primarily CentOS.
Manage customer accounts and cases in Salesforce.
Load and manage customer provide encryption files.
Create, run and manage server back-ups monthly.
Develop PowerShell scripts to revamp and automate server build process.
Maintain and manage windows 2012 R2 in a virtual environment.

Network administrator vs junior systems administrator skills

Common network administrator skills

Switches, 7%
Windows Server, 6%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Network Hardware, 5%
Routers, 4%
Lan Wan, 4%

Common junior systems administrator skills

Windows Server, 7%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Technical Support, 5%
System Administration, 5%
Switches, 5%
OS, 4%

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Network Administrator vs Junior Systems Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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