What Is a Network Administrator?

Network administrators design, manage, and maintain technological networks. They work within organizations and government agencies to oversee local area networks, wide area networks, network segments, and other data communication systems as needed.

Network administrators provide support and oversight alike, working closely with colleagues to explain how to use data storage and communication networks and ensure efficiency. Often part of a larger, computer-related operational staff, network administrators may supervise computer support and computer systems specialists.

This guide explores the job description and primary responsibilities of a network administrator, what it takes to become an entry level network administrator, salary outlook, and the various pathways you can take after receiving your education and certifications for this role.

What Does a Network Administrator Do?

Companies and organizations using more than one computer to carry out necessary functions usually employ network administrators. Network administrators make sure computer software and operating systems work properly and stay updated. These professionals oversee the information technology within an organization, serving as the go-to people for major computer or technical issues.

Network administrators may hold specialized certifications or bachelor's or graduate degrees. Professionals in this field earn a generous median annual salary of $82,050, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that they will experience a steady 5% job growth rate in the coming years.

How to Become a Network Administrator

Earn Your Degree

Network administrators typically hold at least a bachelor's degree. However, some professionals possess only a minimal amount of formal education beyond high school, while others hold graduate degrees in technology fields. The BLS identifies a bachelor's degree as the standard minimum requirement for working in this field; higher degrees may increase earning potential and the potential for working in more advanced or senior roles.

Fortunately, you can earn your network administrator degree online. These professionals should ideally obtain a degree in network administration, but degrees in related fields like computer science or software engineering can also lead to network administrator careers.

Gain Experience

Students who build field experience before entering the job market can bolster their resumes and increase their starting salaries as an entry level network administrator. Learners can gain experience in many ways, including through internships and jobs, while earning their degrees. Most network administrator degrees do not require internships, but internship positions provide learners with more experience and networking opportunities.

Many network administrator programs offer students opportunities to work with the same technology they use and manage once on the job. As these students gain valuable skills, experience, and certifications, they can better market themselves to future employers.

Earn Credentials

While earning their degrees, students get the opportunity to pursue and earn credentials and certifications in information technology. Though some programs may not require certification, obtaining it may qualify candidates for more roles and increase their earning potential. Common certifications for network administrators include CompTIA certification and Cisco certification, each of which offers specializations in areas like security, routing, and switching.

Some careers and employers require candidates to hold certifications in addition to or in lieu of a degree. Earning certification while in school allows students to graduate with more professional experience. Certifications confirm that learners possess the skills and competencies essential to employers. Learn more about certifications for network administrators through your school's career center or certifying bodies such as CompTIA and Cisco.

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Network Administrator Salary and Career Outlook

The largest employer of network administrators in the United States is the computer system design industry. California represents the top state employer for network administrators, in part because it is known for its strong technological sectors. Network administrators also find high levels of employment in business, telecommunications, academic, and government sectors.

Network administrators who work in oil and gas extraction, financial services, and insurance benefits earn the highest salaries. Texas, which features the second highest number of network administrators in the country, lays claim to several areas with concentrated oil and gas extraction activity.

With advanced education and on-the-job training, network administrators increase earning potential. According to PayScale, entry-level network administrators make $49,000, while their counterparts with five or more years of field experience earn $60,000. Continued education and industry credentials further enhance earning potential and help network administrators advance in their careers.

Average Salary of Network Administrators by Job Level

Source: PayScale

Types of Careers in Network Administration

Employment options for network administrators vary by location, education, experience, and industry. According to the BLS, network administrators earned a median salary of just over $82,000 annually as of 2018.

Individuals with certificates or associate degrees in information technology or computer science qualify for entry-level positions as junior network administrators, computer systems analysts, and computer programmers. Bachelor’s degrees prepare aspiring and practicing network administrators for managerial roles.

Higher education levels and additional credentials allow network administrators to boost their earning potential and advance in the field. With master’s or doctoral degrees, network administrators can advance into positions as network developers and architects.

Jobs and Specializations

Where Can I Work as a Network Administrator?

Network administrators qualify for positions across economic sectors and around the country. Needed in businesses of all sizes, network administrators enjoy opportunities to work at corporations and startup endeavors or to freelance, providing services as needed and when opportunities become available.

States With Network Administrator Jobs

Computer-based businesses and organizations employ the most network administrators, with California topping the list as the state with the most networking professionals. The highest concentration of network administrators is in Maryland and Virginia, in close proximity to Washington, D.C. Maryland and the District of Columbia are also the highest-paying areas for network administrators in the country.

Major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas feature the highest employment levels of network administrators. Networking administration professionals seeking positions in more rural locations benefit from lucrative opportunities in New Mexico, Vermont, and South Dakota.

Professional Industries With Network Administrator Jobs

Of all network administrators, 18% work at organizations and businesses that provide computer system design and related services. As the largest employer of network administrators, these organizations and businesses vary in size and location but provide a variety of options in terms of tasks and responsibilities. Network administrators may build local area networks for a small startup or oversee wide area networks used by corporate entities.

Network administrators also work in educational, financial, and governmental settings, providing communication and data delivery networks to individuals and groups. Additional career options include data processing, media and subscription services, and general telecommunications.

How Do I Find a Job in Network Administration?

Students can build connections in the network administration community through internships, mentor experiences, and collaborative activities. This further expands their potential career options. Network administrators can find employment opportunities through college and university career services, professional associations and organizations, or professional and personal networks.

Many institutions of higher learning hold job fairs, bringing employers to campus to recruit students. Companies and organizations may also provide job information at academic and industrial events, even holding interviews on the spot.

INTEROP

Interop focuses on the needs of the networking and information technology community. It holds conferences, summits, and workshops to bring together practitioners, industry partners, and vendors.

Learn More

PEARSON RESOURCES FOR IT PROFESSIONALS

Pearson Resources for IT Professionals provides content from industry vendors, practical advice, and certification programs for information technology professionals. The Pearson Workforce Education initiative gives current and future employees access to courses and content covering soft and hard skills applicable to the field.

Learn More

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR

The National Association of Legislative Information Technology Professional Development Seminar unites state legislative information technology professionals through educational activities, tours, and legislative showcases. Participants have access to vendor exhibits, networking opportunities, and a comprehensive agenda full of technical, policy, and management content.

Learn More

COMPTIA EVENTS

CompTIA offers industry conferences and events around the world, with several summits and connection opportunities each month. The extensive schedule of events brings together cybersecurity, information technology, cyber risk management professionals, and those in comparable roles to network, collaborate, and gain insight into the ever-changing field.

Learn More

Professional Spotlight

Daniel Savelli

Daniel Savelli, an experienced IT professional, has a demonstrated history of working in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors for over 20 years. Daniel currently serves as a network engineer for the Town of West Hartford in Connecticut.

Continuing Education for Network Administrators

Professional organizations, private companies, and colleges and universities all offer continuing education opportunities for network administration professionals. Network administrators need to stay current in technological trends, innovations, and changes.

Continuing education programs provide network administrators with knowledge and skills regarding updates to technology, standards of practice, and security matters. It also gives network administrators an opportunity to extend their competencies. These professionals can further build their portfolios by learning programming languages, earning vendor certificates, and participating in activities with fellow network administration professionals. Cisco, for example, offers levels of certification for networkers at all stages in their careers.

• Cisco Learning With information on Cisco authorized training programs around the world, Cisco Learning provides computing professionals with access to continuing education and certification programs in security, cloud computing, and comparable topics. Individuals can filter programs by career certification, technology, or specialization.
• Cisco Community Cisco Community serves as a forum for technology information and computer systems professionals to discuss issues, find solutions, and engage with online tools and resources. It also provides updates on events, networking opportunities, and Cisco software.
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Continuing Education The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Continuing Professional Education program includes an e-learning library, access to certificate programs, and information about standards in education. Technology professionals can earn initial certificates, continuing education units, or professional development hours to maintain credentials.
• CompTIA Training Through organizational partnerships, CompTIA Training offers training programs and certifications in subjects including information technology fundamentals, cloud essentials, and security. Individuals can filter the authorized training providers by program, country, or state.

Professional Resources for Network Administrators

Networking administrators have access to resources offered through professional organizations and associations. As individuals who incorporate software and hardware into their work, network administrators can pursue memberships with information technology, computer systems, and engineering organizations -- plus organizations geared specifically to their positions.

Professional organization membership builds connections through webinars, discussion boards, and face-to-face events. Many organizations and associations offer continuing education programs and trainings, career advice and job boards, and updates about policies as they relate to network administration.

FAQ's about Network Administrators