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What is a network/server administrator and how to become one
Network administrators are the personnel who implement, manage and troubleshoot networks. They have to study a company's needs and organize their computer system to work throughout the building.
Network administrators frequently check data to ensure system optimization activities. By data monitoring, they look for problems caused by the network or another user. They also make sure new users get appropriately trained in the network usage and subordination of proper uploading and downloading of material that can affect the network.
As a prospective network administrator, you need at least a certificate or associate degree in a computer-related discipline. However, most employers require network administrators to hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a comparable area. BLS figures from May 2020 show you could earn a median annual salary of $88,050 as a network administrator.
What general advice would you give to a network/server administrator?
Bill McGinley
President & CEO, American College of Health Care Administrators
Post pandemic opportunities will be nationwide in this field with a greater need in rural areas.
Technology will continue to play a big role in the field. Computerized medical records, census management, and all clinical areas will continue to dominate. Online meetings are liable to continue as well, as employers realize that there is a savings to be gained by not having people travel to meetings and conferences.
Avg. Salary $78,919
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%
Asian 10.75%
Black or African American 8.84%
Hispanic or Latino 12.53%
Unknown 5.08%
White 62.48%
Genderfemale 14.74%
male 85.26%
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
Network/server administrator career paths
Key steps to become a network/server administrator
Explore network/server administrator education requirements
Start to develop specific network/server administrator skills
Skills Percentages Customer Service 8.99% Windows Server 7.20% Troubleshoot 5.35% Linux 4.68% DNS 3.88% Complete relevant network/server administrator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New network/server 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/server administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network/server administrator resumes.Gain additional network/server administrator certifications
More About CertificationsNetwork/server 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/server administrator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for network/server administrators include CompTIA Network+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Research network/server administrator duties and responsibilities
- Plan, implement and manage IBM SAN and SVC hardware and disk allocation.
- Manage SMB/LDAP; internal/external DNS entries; DHCPD; domain registration and SSL certificates for web applications.
- Save company many hours of manual testing and developing by engineering Java applications to automate tedious tasks.
- Configure DHCP/File/network print server and DHCP and static TCP/IP addresses on the server and client PCs.
Prepare your network/server administrator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your network/server 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/server 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/server administrator resume templates
Build a professional network/server 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/server administrator resume.
Apply for network/server administrator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a network/server 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/server administrator job
Are you a network/server administrator?
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Average network/server administrator salary
The average network/server administrator salary in the United States is $78,919 per year or $38 per hour. Network/server administrator salaries range between $57,000 and $107,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do network/server administrators rate their job?
Network/server administrator reviews
talking to people
outside weather, I work as a network technician and the main problem I always encounter is the cold weather.
Updated January 8, 2025
