What does a systems administrator do?
Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.
Systems administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real systems administrator resumes:
- Used Jenkins to automate most of the build relate tasks.
- Manage windows file servers, messaging, and SQL databases.
- Lead the project which integrate internal DNS into the corporate LDAP infrastructure for end user host management prior to deployment.
- Lead business-critical information security initiatives involving encryption of customer data.
- Authore and maintain shell and Perl scripts to automate administration tasks for infrastructure management.
- Configure & manage all switches and servers responsible for providing WLAN connectivity and authentication services.
- Provide support for HPUX UNIX and RHEL LINUX servers for production and non-production customer, billing and report systems.
- Support active directory, DHCP, DNS, file, print, email, domain services, and server outages.
- Utilize Linux servers to provide back-up internal DNS functionality.
- Configure and monitor daily volume replication of business-critical virtual servers from local primary SAN to off-site SAN at disaster recovery location.
- Register custom reports and PL/SQL procedures.
- Configure Jenkins slaves and maven, ant build tools.
- Perform accurate and real time vulnerability checks using Nessus tool.
- Follow ITIL process for creating change request and also resolving tickets.
- Lead the management of the ACAMS MDI to Lenel conversion project.
Systems administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Systems Administrators are proficient in Linux, Troubleshoot, and Windows Server. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.
We break down the percentage of Systems Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Linux, 7%
Provide technical guidance and documentation to less-experienced technicians for business continuance planning on our Red Hat Linux systems.
- Troubleshoot, 7%
Use my advanced technical and problem solving competencies to troubleshoot and resolve production-impacting outages including web content replication issues.
- Windows Server, 6%
Provide Windows Server management services and the security administration on managed system with implementation & maintenance of the action solution.
- Database, 5%
Started up/Configured/Administered asset management database.
- Technical Support, 4%
Provided technical support for PKI to include certificate issuance, certification revocation, PIV activation and other ID management initiatives.
- PowerShell, 3%
Developed custom PowerShell scripts to implement BitLocker both remotely, and during operating system deployments using System Center Configuration Manager.
Common skills that a systems administrator uses to do their job include "linux," "troubleshoot," and "windows server." You can find details on the most important systems administrator responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a systems 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 systems administrator resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "analyzed business data and developed applications using java and jsp, reducing time on making monthly reports by 50%. "
Communication skills. Many systems administrator duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a systems administrator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways systems administrator responsibilities rely on communication skills: "provide communication to walmart managers in regards to ecommerce java web based application. "
Multitasking skills. systems administrators are also known for multitasking skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to systems administrator responsibilities, because "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." A systems administrator resume example shows how multitasking skills is used in the workplace: "organized work flow while multitasking, critical thinking and solved technical issues troubleshooted and resolved network connectivity issues. "
Problem-solving skills. For certain systems administrator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a systems 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 systems administrators do: "implemented the java ruleset solution to remedy version conflicts with legacy applications. "
The three companies that hire the most systems administrators are:
- Oracle722 systems administrators jobs
- Deloitte554 systems administrators jobs
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
472 systems administrators jobs
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Compare different systems administrators
Systems 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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a systems administrator are more likely to require skills like "powershell," "java," "system performance," and "red hat." On the other hand, a job as an information technology administrator requires skills like "customer service," "vmware," "system administration," and "excellent interpersonal." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Information technology administrators really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $93,678. Comparatively, systems administrators tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $86,962.On average, information technology administrators reach similar levels of education than systems administrators. Information technology administrators are 1.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Systems administrator vs. Systems support analyst
A systems support analyst is responsible for supporting the operations of the technology department of an organization, resolving network issues, and maintaining the safety and security of the system database. Systems support analysts must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, identifying system process improvements, upgrading system infrastructure, and assisting end-users with navigation. They also create resolution reports for reference, including recommendations to prevent future inconsistencies and glitches. A systems support analyst conducts regular maintenance checks on the technology servers and immediately performs troubleshooting as needed for optimization.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, systems administrator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "powershell," "san," "azure," and "switches." Meanwhile, a systems support analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "system support," "application support," and "powerpoint." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Systems support analysts may earn a higher salary than systems administrators, but systems support analysts earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $93,049. On the other hand, systems administrators receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $86,962.In general, systems support analysts achieve similar levels of education than systems administrators. They're 0.8% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for systems administrators in the next 3-5 years?
Babak Beheshti Ph.D.
Dean, Professor, New York Institute of Technology
-We will be witnessing a more widespread commercial deployment of 5G in 2020. With the implementation of the Standalone 5G devices based on the 3gpp release 16, we should be seeing the more robust mobile broadband deployment of 5G, wider availability of 5G smartphones, and a push towards an all 5G Network in select urban areas around the world.
-Significant growth in AI-based technologies, from face recognition and voice recognition to business intelligence and market predictions. As machines and deep learning algorithms get integrated into many applications, many industries will undergo substantial changes. AI systems will continue to interact with our phones; cars will interpret and analyze their surroundings and intelligently drive themselves. Online vendors will monitor our browsing habits, and Google decides what kind of search results to give us, based on who it thinks we are.
Systems administrator vs. Network/server administrator
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.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a systems administrator is likely to be skilled in "database," "java," "computer system," and "system performance," while a typical network/server administrator is skilled in "customer service," "server administration," "server hardware," and "server environment."
Network/server administrators earn the best pay in the manufacturing industry, where they command an average salary of $84,609. Systems administrators earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $86,962.Most network/server administrators achieve a similar degree level compared to systems administrators. For example, they're 3.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems administrator vs. Senior network administrator
Senior Network Administrators provide system and network solutions for their organizations. They supervise the functioning of networking equipment and follow strict maintenance standards.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between systems administrators and senior network administrators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a systems administrator might have more use for skills like "database," "powershell," "java," and "computer system." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of senior network administrators require skills like "routers," "network hardware," "firewall," and "network security. "
The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for senior network administrators, with average annual pay of $93,129. Comparatively, the highest systems administrator annual salary comes from the technology industry.The average resume of senior network administrators showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to systems administrators. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 0.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.1%.Types of systems administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
