Become A Systems Administrator
Where do you want to work?
Working As A Systems Administrator
- Interacting With Computers
- Getting Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Mostly Sitting
Repetitive
$79,726
Average Salary
What Does A Systems Administrator Do
Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.
DutiesNetwork and computer systems administrators typically do the following:
- Determine an organization’s network and computer system needs before setting one up
- Install all network hardware and software and make needed upgrades and repairs
- Maintain network and computer system security and ensure that all systems are operating correctly
- Collect data in order to evaluate and optimize network or system performance
- Add users to a network and assign and update security permissions on the network
- Train users in the proper use of hardware and software
- Interpret and solve problems when a user or an automated monitoring system alerts them that one exists
Administrators manage an organization’s servers and desktop and mobile equipment. They ensure that email and data storage networks work properly. They also make sure that employees’ workstations are working efficiently and stay connected to the central computer network. Some administrators manage telecommunication networks.
In some cases, administrators help network architects design and analyze network models. They also participate in decisions about buying future hardware or software to upgrade their organization’s network. Some administrators provide technical support to computer users, and they also may supervise computer support specialists who help solve users’ problems.
Show More
Show Less
How To Become A Systems Administrator
Most employers require network and computer systems administrators to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science. Others may require only a postsecondary certificate.
EducationAlthough some employers require only a postsecondary certificate, most require a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science. There are degree programs that focus on computer network and system administration. However, because administrators work with computer hardware and equipment, a degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering usually is acceptable as well. Programs in these fields usually include classes in computer programming, networking, or systems design.
Because network technology is continually changing, administrators need to keep up with the latest developments. Many continue to take courses throughout their careers and attend information technology (IT) conferences to keep up with the latest technology. Some businesses require that an administrator get a master’s degree.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsCertification programs are generally offered directly from vendors or from vendor-neutral certification providers. Certification validates knowledge and best practices required from network and computer systems administrators. Companies may require their network and computer systems administrators to be certified in the product they use. Microsoft and Cisco offer some of the most common certifications.
Other ExperienceTo gain practical experience, many network administrators participate in internship programs while in school.
AdvancementNetwork administrators can advance to become computer network architects. They can also advance to managerial jobs in information technology (IT) departments, such as computer and information systems managers.
Important QualitiesAnalytical skills. Administrators need analytical skills to evaluate network and system performance and determine how changes in the environment will affect them.
Communication skills. Administrators must be able to describe problems and their solutions to non-IT workers.
Computer skills. Administrators oversee the connections of many different types of computer equipment and must ensure that they all work together properly.
Multitasking skills. Administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time.
Problem-solving skills. Administrators must be able to quickly resolve any problems that arise with computer networks.
Show More
Show Less
Systems Administrator jobs
Real Systems Administrator Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manager Support Engineering | Codeobjects, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Apr 23, 2018 | $140,000 |
| Manager Support Engineering | Codeobjects, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Oct 05, 2015 | $140,000 |
| Systems Administrator | Inovant, LLC | Ashburn, VA | Mar 09, 2013 | $105,435 - $118,800 |
| Systems Administrator | ICSA Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Mar 17, 2016 | $97,000 |
| System Administrator | UBS Financial Services Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Oct 06, 2010 | $96,450 - $98,500 |
| Systems Administrator | Infowin Technologies LLC | Ashburn, VA | Feb 01, 2011 | $96,158 |
| Systems Administrator | ICSA Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Sep 21, 2015 | $96,000 |
| Systems Administrator | GVA Infotech Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Sep 16, 2018 | $96,000 |
| Systems Administrator | Amiti Consulting, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Apr 19, 2016 | $95,763 |
| Systems Administrator | Inovant LLC | Ashburn, VA | May 15, 2018 | $95,000 - $115,000 |
| Systems Administrator | Inovant, LLC | Ashburn, VA | Oct 31, 2016 | $93,930 - $95,000 |
| Systems Administrator | Inovant LLC | Ashburn, VA | Jul 20, 2016 | $93,000 - $113,000 |
| System Administrator | Idexcel, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Aug 21, 2018 | $92,100 |
| System Administrator | Wipro Limited | Ashburn, VA | Oct 10, 2017 | $85,280 |
| System Administrator | Wipro Limited | Ashburn, VA | Feb 07, 2018 | $85,280 |
| Systems Administrator | Inovant LLC | Ashburn, VA | Mar 23, 2016 | $85,000 - $105,000 |
| Systems Administrator-Storage Operations | Inovant, LLC | Ashburn, VA | Mar 27, 2017 | $83,584 - $113,074 |
| System Administrator | Wipro Limited | Ashburn, VA | Aug 18, 2017 | $83,221 |
| System Administrator | Wipro LLC | Ashburn, VA | Aug 26, 2017 | $83,221 |
| Systems Administrator | Inovant, LLC | Ashburn, VA | Sep 10, 2012 | $80,018 - $85,000 |
| System Administrator | Arthur Grand Technologies Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Jan 09, 2016 | $80,000 |
| Systems Administrator | Inovant, LLC | Ashburn, VA | Mar 08, 2010 | $79,997 - $96,000 |
| Systems Administrator | Inovant, LLC | Ashburn, VA | Apr 05, 2010 | $79,997 - $86,400 |
| System Administrator | Wipro Limited | Ashburn, VA | Jun 01, 2016 | $79,726 |
| System Administrator | Wipro Limited | Ashburn, VA | Apr 20, 2016 | $79,726 |
| System Administrator | Wipro Limited | Ashburn, VA | May 05, 2016 | $79,726 |
| System Administrator | Wipro Limited | Ashburn, VA | Dec 04, 2016 | $79,726 |
| Systems Administrator | New England It Associates, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Sep 25, 2015 | $79,726 |
| Systems Administrator | Zillion Technologies, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Dec 10, 2016 | $79,726 |
| Systems Administrator | Inovant, LLC | Ashburn, VA | Jan 26, 2015 | $78,603 - $111,600 |
| System Administrator | Novisync Solutions, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Nov 11, 2014 | $75,000 |
| System Administrator | CSC Covansys Corporation | Ashburn, VA | Dec 21, 2009 | $74,000 - $105,000 |
| Support Engineer I | Vadata Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Jun 03, 2015 | $71,614 - $74,500 |
| Support Engineer I | Vadata Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Jun 10, 2015 | $71,614 - $74,500 |
| System Administrator | Microinfo, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Apr 01, 2014 | $70,000 |
| Systems Administrator | Digital Terrain, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Sep 05, 2014 | $70,000 |
| Systems Administrator | Benecias LLC | Ashburn, VA | Mar 13, 2017 | $68,000 |
| System Administrator | Novisync Solutions, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Jan 13, 2017 | $67,288 |
| System Administrator | Eforce Technologies, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | May 09, 2017 | $67,288 |
| Systems Administrator | Novisync Solutions, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Sep 16, 2017 | $67,288 |
| Systems Administrator | Novisync Solutions, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Sep 19, 2017 | $67,288 |
| Systems Administrator | Infowin Technologies LLC | Ashburn, VA | Feb 01, 2011 | $65,000 |
| Systems Administrator (SAP) | Value Consulting, LLC | Ashburn, VA | Aug 20, 2010 | $65,000 |
| Systems Administrator | Microinfo Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Dec 09, 2016 | $63,710 |
| Systems Administrator | Explicit Systems USA, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Sep 19, 2016 | $63,710 - $80,000 |
| Systems Administrator | Baltech Solutions Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Sep 05, 2015 | $61,714 |
| System (Storage) Administrator | YASH Solutions, LLC | Ashburn, VA | Nov 18, 2013 | $60,000 |
| Systems Administrator | Ampcus, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Apr 14, 2010 | $60,000 |
| Systems Administrator | Novisync Solutions, Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Sep 17, 2014 | $60,000 |
| System Administrator | Gallant Global Inc. | Ashburn, VA | Sep 16, 2013 | $60,000 |
| Systems Administrator | YASH Solutions, LLC | Ashburn, VA | Feb 10, 2011 | $54,600 |
No Results
To get more results, try adjusting your search by changing your filters.
Top Skills for A Systems Administrator
Show More
Top Systems Administrator Skills
- Windows Server
- New Hardware
- Active Directory
- Install and administer Microsoft Windows Server versions 2003, 2008 and 2012.
- Contributed to regional IT strategy migration serving as primary point of contact resolving transition tactics training personnel on new hardware/software applications.
- Provided level 3 support for Windows 2000 servers and Active Directory infrastructure.
- Provided consultation on materials and design for network Infrastructure.
- Assisted customer/vendors with product installation and trouble-shooting network related issues via remote dial up access.
Top Systems Administrator Employers
Show More
Systems Administrator Videos
Q&A - Salaries for Computer Jobs [How much $$$ can you make?]