Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), data communication networks, operating systems, and servers.

Duties

Network and computer systems administrators typically do the following:

• Determine an organization’s network and system needs and install operating and application hardware and software
• Provide input on hardware or software for an organization's purchasing decisions
• Make needed upgrades and repairs to networks and ensure that systems are operating correctly
• Maintain network and computer system security
• Evaluate and optimize network and system performance
• Add users to a network and assign security permissions
• Train users on the organization’s network and systems
• Diagnose and resolve problems when alerted by a user or an automated monitoring system

Network and computer systems administrators may oversee both networks and systems, but they often specialize in one or the other. Network administrators typically focus on setting up and maintaining the infrastructure that connects an organization’s computers. Systems administrators set up and maintain organizations’ software and enable user access. 

Network administrators install, configure, and manage computer infrastructure, such as routers, switches, and cables, that support an organization’s computer networks. These networks include Local Area Networks (LANs), which connect devices in a single location, and Wide Area Networks (WANs), which connect multiple LANs or locations. They may help computer network architects design and analyze network models. Some administrators manage telecommunication networks.

Systems administrators manage an organization’s servers and desktop and mobile equipment and software. They ensure that email and data storage networks within an organization’s computer system work properly. They install and configure software and system updates and monitor system performance to ensure that employees’ workstations are efficient.

Some administrators provide technical support to users, such as when computer support specialists are unable to resolve a problem.

Network and computer systems administrators held about 331,500 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of network and computer systems administrators were as follows:

Network and computer systems administrators are employed by a variety of organizations and work in a variety of settings. In addition to those shown in the table, top employers also include manufacturing industries, healthcare providers, and government agencies.

Network and computer systems administrators often collaborate with many types of information technology (IT) workers, such as computer support specialists, database administrators, computer network architects, and computer and information systems managers.

Work Schedules

Most network and computer systems administrators work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Administrators may need to work evenings, nights, or weekends to monitor, maintain, or update networks and systems.

To enter the occupation, network and computer systems administrators typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science.

The median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators was $96,800 in May 2024.

Employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, decline.

About 14,300 openings for network and computer systems administrators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.