What does a senior network administrator do?
Senior Network Administrators provide system and network solutions for their organizations. They supervise the functioning of networking equipment and follow strict maintenance standards.
Senior network administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior network administrator resumes:
- Lead IP management specialist and assist with management of DHCP scopes and reservations.
- Establish and manage SharePoint base intranet for departmental and interdepartmental support.
- Configure and manage SQL database archival requests for automate timely data submissions.
- Configure and manage multiple data and application servers and maintain SQL relational databases.
- Prioritize and manage servicing of customer trouble calls in locally develop tracking database.
- Configure and manage company routers and switches in addition to VPN configuration and policy enforcement.
- Provide support for DNS, DHCP scopes, wireless network, and all network printing services.
- Implement and maintain Cisco networking equipment to include routers and firewall devices.
- Test new versions of VMware software.
- Develop unique tools (web and Unix) to improve systems analysts performance.
- Create network printer shares, DHCP reservations, file shares, NTFS permissions, exchange permissions.
- Develop and implement cutting edge methods to reduce and eliminate single points of failure across Unix systems.
- Assist hundreds of remote users with application issues, VPN remote connectivity, and IP phone system support.
- Install and maintain Unix-like (Linux, BSD) base server systems for web hosting and network operations.
- Escalate or perform server functions, particularly relate to resolving desktop issues as well as TCP/IP connectivity set-ups.
Senior network administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Senior Network Administrators are proficient in Switches, Routers, and Troubleshoot. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.
We break down the percentage of Senior Network Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Switches, 8%
Revamped configurations on all core switches to enhance internal bandwidth requirements.
- Routers, 5%
Configure and Maintain additional monitoring provided by Cisco Prime Infrastructure for Voice routers and Wireless Devices.
- Troubleshoot, 5%
Monitor and troubleshoot network, ensuring 24/7 connectivity to enable access to critical applications within high-stress, deadline-oriented environments.
- Windows Server, 4%
Work on upgrading, installing and maintaining Windows server hardware and applications required by different departments within the organization.
- Network Infrastructure, 4%
Identified technological requirements and managed computer/network infrastructure.
- Lan Wan, 4%
Designed HQ, branch and Co-location Data Center LAN WAN network.
"switches," "routers," and "troubleshoot" are among the most common skills that senior network administrators use at work. You can find even more senior network administrator responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a senior network administrator to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what senior network administrators do 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 senior network administrator resume shows how senior network administrators use analytical skills: "migrate data backup software / ca arcserve to symantec backup exec"
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform senior network administrator duties is communication skills. Senior network administrators responsibilities require that "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Senior network administrators also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "analyzed and resolved network hardware, software, and communications problems using diagnostic software and/or technical troubleshooting processes. "
Multitasking skills. senior network administrators are also known for multitasking skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to senior network administrator responsibilities, because "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." A senior network 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. For certain senior network administrator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a senior network administrator rely on this skill, as "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what senior network administrators do: "planned and installed symantec backup exec solution. "
The three companies that hire the most senior network administrators are:
- General Dynamics14 senior network administrators jobs
- Nes Holdings11 senior network administrators jobs
- ManTech9 senior network administrators jobs
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Compare different senior network administrators
Senior network administrator vs. Network internship
In a network internship, an intern's duties depend on the directives of a manager or supervisor. They typically perform support and beginner tasks, such as processing and organizing documentation, liaising with potential clients through calls and correspondence, greeting visitors, answering inquiries, and running errands. An intern may also participate in creating business plans, optimizing existing systems, attending meetings, conducting market research and analysis, and handling issues and concerns in adherence to the company's policies and regulations.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between senior network administrators and network internship. For instance, senior network administrator responsibilities require skills such as "lan wan," "network security," "san," and "technical support." Whereas a network internship is skilled in "python," "c++," "customer service," and "facebook." This is part of what separates the two careers.
On average, network interns reach similar levels of education than senior network administrators. Network interns are 0.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Senior network 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.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that senior network administrator responsibilities requires skills like "technical support," "cisco switches routers," "solarwinds," and "eigrp." But a network manager might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer service," "project management," "provider network," and "network operations."
Network managers earn a higher average salary than senior network administrators. But network managers earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $105,251. Additionally, senior network administrators earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $93,129 annually.network managers earn similar levels of education than senior network administrators in general. They're 2.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior network administrator vs. Network support analyst
Network support analysts are professionals who provide technical support as well as maintain various network components for an organization's network system. These analysts are responsible for installing and configuring local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), internet systems, and other components of network systems. They are required to monitor the performance of networks and systems and align network use and access by using master consoles. Network support analysts must also organize and deploy security measures for the network so that they can safeguard software, hardware, and data.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, senior network administrators are more likely to have skills like "network hardware," "san," "network systems," and "sql server." But a network support analyst is more likely to have skills like "problem resolution," "remedy," "network operations," and "vmware."
Network support analysts earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $98,644. Comparatively, senior network administrators have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $93,129.network support analysts typically earn similar educational levels compared to senior network administrators. Specifically, they're 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior network administrator vs. Network engineer
A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs. They also check network defects, perform troubleshooting, improve data security systems, and install security updates. A network engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a broad understanding of system codes, programming languages, and network configurations.
Types of senior network administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
