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What is a security systems administrator and how to become one
The security system administrator is an expert in securing the computer system of a company. You are to advise the company on security processes and train staff on proper protocols on security and in monitoring suspicious activities. You will also detect any security vulnerabilities in the computer system.
The Security System Administrator also installs, administers, and troubleshoot security solutions to the company. Also, you will be in charge of monitoring the daily operations of systems to ensure security compliance. You will also monitor end ensure that software is maintained and the latest security patches are installed. You are to manage user accounts and detect unauthorized access, modifications, or any other cyber threats.
To work as a Security System Administrator, you should be meticulous and detail-oriented. You should also have a sound knowledge of security procedures and be able to teach new employees with less security experience. A security system administrator should also possess interpersonal and communication skills, analytical and problem-solving skills.
The minimum educational requirement for this role is an associate's or bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field. The average salary for this position is $75,108 annually.
What general advice would you give to a security systems 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 $79,008
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%
Asian 8.74%
Black or African American 9.02%
Hispanic or Latino 12.71%
Unknown 5.10%
White 64.13%
Genderfemale 19.79%
male 80.21%
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
Security systems administrator career paths
Key steps to become a security systems administrator
Explore security systems administrator education requirements
Start to develop specific security systems administrator skills
Skills Percentages Security Systems 8.30% Troubleshoot 5.97% Linux 5.80% DOD 4.67% Database 4.03% Complete relevant security systems administrator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New security systems 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 security systems administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real security systems administrator resumes.Research security systems administrator duties and responsibilities
- Manage automated security and functional OS and application patches.
- Lead enterprise-wide virtualization effort, overseeing and personally completing vendor/hardware qualifications, architecture/design, installation, configuration, migration and documentation.
- Ensure optimal security for multiple network applications, including NFS, DNS, TCP/IP.
- Work on updating and patching the Linux and windows servers.
Prepare your security systems administrator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your security systems 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 security systems 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 security systems administrator resume templates
Build a professional security systems 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 security systems administrator resume.
Apply for security systems administrator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a security systems 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
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Average security systems administrator salary
The average security systems administrator salary in the United States is $79,008 per year or $38 per hour. Security systems administrator salaries range between $60,000 and $103,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
