Network security administrator vs systems administrator

The differences between network security administrators and 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 security administrator and a systems administrator. Additionally, a network security administrator has an average salary of $82,247, which is higher than the $77,156 average annual salary of a systems administrator.

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

Network security administrator vs systems administrator overview

	Network Security Administrator	Systems Administrator
Yearly salary	$82,247	$77,156
Hourly rate	$39.54	$37.09
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	130,342	134,500
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a network security administrator do?

A Network Security Administrator works to ensure the security of the network systems and data in a company. They are responsible for developing and implementing security programs and protocols, establishing security guidelines, monitoring the networks, keeping an eye for any suspicious activities, or performing interventions to protect networks and data. They also respond to distress and investigates breaches to prevent them from happening again. In some companies, a Network Security Administrator is also in charge of managing network security staff, supervising their performance for an efficient workflow.

What does a systems administrator do?

Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.

Network security administrator vs systems administrator salary

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

	Network Security Administrator	Systems Administrator
Average salary	$82,247	$77,156
Salary range	Between $59,000 And $113,000	Between $59,000 And $100,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	Portland General Electric	Meta
Best paying industry	Finance	Technology

Differences between network security administrator and systems administrator education

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

	Network Security Administrator	Systems Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Network security administrator vs systems administrator demographics

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

	Network Security Administrator	Systems Administrator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%	Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 11.8% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 11.5% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between network security administrator and systems administrator duties and responsibilities

Network security administrator example responsibilities.

Manage, configure, and verify available IP addresses.
Install, configure and manage virtual servers in a VMWare environment.
Monitor traffic/mail issues for IronPort and manage the VMWare network system, minimizing problems and maintaining smooth work flow.
Lead architecture and design sessions with customers; initiate technical meetings with customer engineers to further engage and identify additional opportunities.
Install and configure Cisco routers and switches for internet connectivity and establishing an enterprise network.
Perform weekly internal and external systems and configurations vulnerability assessments of all network firewalls, switches and routers.

Systems administrator example responsibilities.

Used Jenkins to automate most of the build relate tasks.
Manage windows file servers, messaging, and SQL databases.
Lead the project which integrate internal DNS into the corporate LDAP infrastructure for end user host management prior to deployment.
Lead business-critical information security initiatives involving encryption of customer data.
Authore and maintain shell and Perl scripts to automate administration tasks for infrastructure management.
Configure & manage all switches and servers responsible for providing WLAN connectivity and authentication services.

Network security administrator vs systems administrator skills

Common network security administrator skills

Network Security, 8%
Troubleshoot, 6%
Switches, 6%
IDS, 4%
Security Policies, 4%
Routers, 4%

Common systems administrator skills

Linux, 7%
Troubleshoot, 7%
Windows Server, 6%
Database, 5%
Technical Support, 4%
PowerShell, 3%

Network Security Administrator vs. similar jobs

Network Security Administrator related careers

Network Security Administrator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Computer and Mathematical Industry
Network Security Administrator
Network Security Administrator vs Systems Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs