Sign up for our newsletter
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
This bar graph shows the annual salary for Network and Computer Systems Administrators.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Network and Computer Systems Administrators.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 3%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
Becoming a network and computer systems administrator involves a combination of education, skill development, and practical experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the path to this career:
Most employers require network and computer systems administrators to have at least a bachelor's degree in a field related to computer or information science. Here are some degree programs you might consider:
Some institutions also offer specific programs in systems administration. Additionally, some positions might only require an associate degree coupled with relevant experience.
Hands-on experience is crucial in the IT field. Consider the following ways to gain experience:
Certifications can validate your expertise and make you more attractive to employers. Some widely recognized certifications include:
You can find more information about these certifications on the official websites of CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, and Red Hat.
To be successful as a network and computer systems administrator, you will need a mix of technical and soft skills:
The field of information technology evolves rapidly, so it's essential to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies:
As you gain experience, look for opportunities to advance your career:
Remember, the path to becoming a network and computer systems administrator is not one-size-fits-all. Tailor these steps to fit your personal goals and the specific requirements of the employers in your desired industry.
To start a career as a Network and Computer Systems Administrator, you typically need:
Starting positions that can lead to a career as a Network and Computer Systems Administrator include:
To advance your career, consider the following steps:
Yes, certifications are important because they:
Notable certifications to consider include:
Key skills for success in this role include:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow as firms invest in newer, faster technology and mobile networks. Staying up-to-date with the latest technologies can help ensure job security in this field.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators are employed across various industries such as:
Remote work is possible for some Network and Computer Systems Administrators, depending on the employer's policies and the nature of the work. Some tasks may require physical presence for hardware installation or troubleshooting, but many administrative duties can be performed remotely.
There is a consistent demand for skilled Network and Computer Systems Administrators due to:
To stay current in the field:
Remember that as a Network and Computer Systems Administrator, you play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of an organization's IT infrastructure. Your ability to adapt to new technologies and continuously improve your skill set will greatly influence your success in this dynamic career path.