Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks.
Is network and computer systems administrators a good career?
It scores 21/100 and ranks #284 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($99,130 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Employment is projected to decline (-4.2% through 2034)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What network and computer systems administrators earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. network and computer systems administrators earn between $78,010 and $126,640 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live network and computer systems administrators jobs
IT Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Specialist, Luxembourg
Legal & Compliance Tech IT Product Manager
Senior IT Systems Administrator (Site lead)
How to become a network and computer systems administrator
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Some employers require a postsecondary certificate or an associate's degree. However, network and computer systems administrators typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering. These programs usually include courses in computer programming, networking, and systems design.
Network and computer systems administrators need to keep up with developments in the constantly changing field of information technology (IT). They may continue to take courses throughout their careers and attend IT conferences to keep up with the latest technology.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Employers may require their network and computer systems administrators to be certified in the products they use. Certification programs usually are offered directly from vendors or from vendor-neutral certification providers. Certification validates the knowledge and the use of best practices that are required of network and computer systems administrators.
Advancement
Network administrators may advance to become computer network architects. They also may advance to managerial jobs in IT departments, such as computer and information systems managers.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as organizations’ needs change.
Communication skills. Administrators should be able to explain technical concepts and processes to non-IT workers.
Creative skills. Administrators may need to take an innovative approach to make networks or systems work, such as when integrating new products with existing hardware or software.
Multitasking skills. Administrators may have to work on many tasks at the same time, whether setup, monitoring, or troubleshooting.
Problem-solving skills. Administrators must be able to resolve problems that arise with computer networks and systems.
Technical skills. Administrators need programming skills and the ability to work with a variety of computer hardware and software.
Related occupations
How much do network and computer systems administrators make?
The national median wage is $99,130 a year, with the middle half earning between $78,010 and $126,640 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is network and computer systems administrators a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 21 of 100 and ranks #284 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -4.2% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a network and computer systems administrator?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do network and computer systems administrators earn the most?
Among states, Maryland pays the highest median ($118,290). Local pay for every state and metro is below.