What does a Network/Server Administrator do?
A Network Administrator ensures an organizations' network is operational and up to date. They solve problems that arise within computer networks, maintaining computer networks, interacting with clients, and consulting with them to determine their system requirements.
Network/server administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real network/server administrator resumes:
- 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.
- Handle planning, installation, and configuration of networks, servers, workstations, routers, and switches.
- Provide first level support on the DHCP, mail, news, proxy, and DNS servers for all global customers.
- Co-Manage 2 migrations of SharePoint, representing $30K investment.
- Fix broken windows updates that are being deploy via WSUS and SCCM.
- Develop compliance baselines for server security in SCCM and reports in SSRS.
- Deploy VmWare ESX hosts, define and automate company standards for configuration.
- Create, modify, and test systems administration and management scripts using VBScript and PowerShell.
- Resolve problems with IVR servers (voice servers) and HBA issues for San attach servers.
- Install, configure and maintain Linux rpm base operating system CentOS and Debian base operating system Ubuntu.
- Build systems, load OS, configure, and maintain development/test/production systems including hardening of production machines.
- Work on migrating physical servers to virtual servers and making updates to Sharepoint to reflect new changes.
Network/server administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Network/Server Administrators are proficient in Customer Service, Windows Server, and Troubleshoot. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.
We break down the percentage of Network/Server Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 9%
Participated in 24x7 on-call, providing outage resolution to minimize impact to customer service level agreements.
- Windows Server, 7%
Administered Windows servers, security and directory/application access for batch scheduling infrastructure performing daily energy trading application transactions.
- Troubleshoot, 5%
Provided end-user training and technical assistance; gathered information to troubleshoot and accurately diagnose failures and issues.
- Linux, 5%
Provided assistance in configuring and troubleshooting Windows and Linux gaming servers.
- DNS, 4%
Examined Active Directory integrated DNS.
- PowerShell, 4%
Streamlined / automated multiple frequent tasks and processes by developing and implementing several custom PowerShell scripts (AD and MSE).
"customer service," "windows server," and "troubleshoot" are among the most common skills that network/server administrators use at work. You can find even more network/server administrator responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a network/server administrator to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a network/server administrator resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "installed and maintained an emc data domain deduplicaton device. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform network/server administrator duties is communication skills. Network/server administrators responsibilities require that "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Network/server administrators also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "work with tcp/ip, dchp and dns to ensure proper network communications. "
Multitasking skills. network/server administrators are also known for multitasking skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to network/server administrator responsibilities, because "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." A network/server administrator resume example shows how multitasking skills is used in the workplace: "exhibit strong communication, critical thinking, multitasking, troubleshooting, and customer service skills"
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what network/server administrators do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to network/server administrator responsibilities because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical network/server administrator tasks: "resolved escalated issues from desktop support team and directly supported senior executive team. "
The three companies that hire the most network/server administrators are:
- Stantec2 network/server administrators jobs
- Alliant Energy1 network/server administrators jobs
- First Community Bancshares1 network/server administrators jobs
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Compare different network/server administrators
Network/server administrator vs. Network manager
A network manager is responsible for monitoring the efficient network connection of the company's technology systems, analyzing system designs, and overseeing installation processes and programs. Network managers inspect the efficiency of existing network management systems, upgrading network data to boost optimal performance and communication transportation. A network manager must have excellent knowledge of technology disciplines and should always be updated with the recent technology trends, guiding the network staff on their tasks and immediately resolving system defects and discrepancies.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a network/server administrator are more likely to require skills like "powershell," "server administration," "server hardware," and "sccm." On the other hand, a job as a network manager requires skills like "fault management," "network hardware," "project management," and "lan wan." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Network managers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $105,251. Comparatively, network/server administrators tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $84,609.On average, network managers reach higher levels of education than network/server administrators. Network managers are 5.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Network/server administrator vs. Information technology administrator
An Information Technology (IT) administrator is an individual responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of an organization's IT systems and ensuring that the systems are running effectively. IT administrators must conduct consistent analyses of the computer system and install updates when needed. They are required to assess the organization's security programs and run the system for viruses and spyware. IT administrators also extend support to the organization's end-users and train them on desktop applications.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real network/server administrator resumes. While network/server administrator responsibilities can utilize skills like "powershell," "server administration," "server hardware," and "server environment," information technology administrators use skills like "database," "vmware," "computer system," and "system administration."
Information technology administrators earn a lower average salary than network/server administrators. But information technology administrators earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $93,678. Additionally, network/server administrators earn the highest salaries in the manufacturing with average pay of $84,609 annually.information technology administrators earn similar levels of education than network/server administrators in general. They're 1.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Network/Server Administrators in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Richard Huff Ph.D.
Assistant professor, assistant chair, Virginia Commonwealth University
As custodians of sensitive data, in many cases, there is a demand for a high level of trustworthiness to be earned by public officials. I would expect agencies will need to set a high bar for ethical standards and communicate them consistently. This will be particularly true for developing and using artificial intelligence (AI). While the future public servant will need a grounding in understanding, interpreting, and using data in meaningful ways, there will continue to be a critical need for ethical sensitivity and reasoning to ensure public policies and programs heed increasing demands for social equity and justice. Technology advancements are unavoidable for the foreseeable future and need to be harnessed and applied appropriately by professional, principled, and ethical public servants.
Network/server administrator vs. Windows system administrator
A Windows System Administrator maintains the systems and servers of a Windows operating system. They evaluate and modify the system's performance.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from network/server administrator resumes include skills like "customer service," "server administration," "server hardware," and "citrix," whereas a windows system administrator is more likely to list skills in "infrastructure," "group policy," "system administration," and "database. "
Windows system administrators make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $93,089. On the other hand, network/server administrators are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $84,609.When it comes to education, windows system administrators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to network/server administrators. In fact, they're 4.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Network/server administrator vs. Linux systems administrator
A Linux systems administrator is primarily in charge of managing and overseeing Linux operating systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around installing and conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting, performing repairs, and monitoring systems performance to ensure optimal operations. They must also develop back-up and security systems as preventive measures should there be any issues or emergencies. Furthermore, as an administrator, it is essential to manage and encourage team members to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Types of network/server administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
