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What is a windows system administrator and how to become one
A Windows system administrator manages and maintains a company's computer network infrastructure. They install, configure, and troubleshoot software and hardware issues within the network. Windows system administrators also ensure network security by enforcing policies, managing permissions, and monitoring activity. They back up data and maintain disaster recovery plans in case of a failure or breach. Additionally, Windows system administrators stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends for efficient and secure networks.
What general advice would you give to a windows system administrator?
Laura Kier
Network Design and Administration Instructor
Avg. Salary $79,845
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%
Asian 13.68%
Black or African American 7.86%
Hispanic or Latino 11.58%
Unknown 5.00%
White 61.58%
Genderfemale 11.71%
male 88.29%
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
What are the pros and cons of being a windows system administrator?
Pros:
High demand for skilled Windows system administrators
Competitive salary and benefits packages
Flexibility in terms of work schedule and location
Access to a supportive community of IT professionals
Opportunity to work on high-profile projects and initiatives
Cons
Pressure to meet tight deadlines and deliverables
Need to balance multiple priorities simultaneously
Risk of burnout due to the intensity of the job
Can be isolating work, with little interaction with non-IT staff or clients
Can be repetitive at times, with routine tasks taking up a significant portion of the workload
Windows system administrator career paths
Key steps to become a windows system administrator
Explore windows system administrator education requirements
Start to develop specific windows system administrator skills
Skills Percentages Windows Server 8.90% Infrastructure 6.76% PowerShell 6.60% Troubleshoot 5.72% Linux 4.57% Complete relevant windows system administrator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New windows system 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 windows system administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real windows system administrator resumes.Gain additional windows system administrator certifications
More About CertificationsWindows system administrator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific windows system administrator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for windows system administrators include Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator (MCITP) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).
Research windows system administrator duties and responsibilities
- Manage and configure VPN connections for the users.
- Deploy and manage Panasonic PBX and VOIP phone systems and network connectivity.
- Manage exchange stores, mailbox provisioning, active sync and monitoring the mailboxes.
- Manage data usage, space, security and archival over servers, workstations and NAS machines.
Prepare your windows system administrator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your windows system 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 windows system 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 windows system administrator resume templates
Build a professional windows system 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 windows system administrator resume.
Apply for windows system administrator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a windows system 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
How did you land your first windows system administrator job
Are you a windows system administrator?
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Average windows system administrator salary
The average windows system administrator salary in the United States is $79,845 per year or $38 per hour. Windows system administrator salaries range between $60,000 and $104,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
