A network administrator keeps an organization’s devices and offices connected. The job involves maintaining switches, routers, wireless networks, and connection settings, fixing outages, and making network changes without unnecessarily disrupting staff.
Security matters, but the role is mainly about reliable IT operations, not full-time cyberattack investigations.
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What Does a Network Administrator Do?
Administrators configure network equipment, track performance, respond to failed connections, manage network access and document changes. In a smaller company they may also manage servers, accounts and backups.
In a larger company, networking, systems and security responsibilities may belong to separate teams.
A typical problem might involve employees who can connect to Wi-Fi but cannot reach an internal application. The administrator checks how widespread the failure is, then reviews IP address settings, DNS (which turns names into network addresses), device alerts and routing.
After finding the cause, they apply an approved fix, test the result and record the change. This is an illustrative example.
Network administrator vs. other IT roles
| Job title | Primary focus |
|---|---|
| Network administrator | Keeps connections, switches, routers and Wi-Fi running |
| Systems administrator | Manages servers, operating systems and related services |
| Network engineer | Often builds or significantly redesigns networks |
| Network security administrator | Focuses on firewalls, network access and security controls |
These roles can overlap. The BLS occupation, Network and Computer Systems Administrators (SOC 15-1244), combines network and systems work.
Skills and Tools Used in the Job
Network administrators need to recognize what is failing and where. Common activities include checking IP address assignments, DNS and DHCP settings; reading switch and router logs; reviewing firewall rules; and monitoring wireless performance.
Commands such as ping, tracert/traceroute, and nslookup help narrow down faults. In authorized settings, Wireshark can help inspect network traffic. Clear network diagrams and change records are part of the work, too.
How to Prepare for Network Administrator Jobs
Compare real postings for network support, junior administrator and administrator jobs. Notice whether the position focuses on on-site equipment, multiple locations, cloud networking or network security. BLS says a bachelor’s degree is typical for its broader occupation, while some employers accept an associate degree or certificate.
A useful practice project is to connect two small networks in a simulator, configure routing, deliberately break a connection, find the cause and document the fix. This shows troubleshooting rather than simply listing technologies.
Relevant support experience with switches, wireless connections, VPNs and recurring outages can also help. An IT degree program may provide structure, but practical configuration experience remains important.
Certifications: Cisco CCNA covers networking, IP connectivity and related security and automation basics; Cisco lists no formal exam prerequisites. CompTIA Network+ offers vendor-neutral networking preparation.
Azure Administrator Associate is an intermediate option for cloud-focused jobs. CISSP is not a standard starting credential for network administrators, and Microsoft retired the old MCSA examinations in 2021.
Salary and Job Outlook
| Source | U.S. annual amount | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| BLS | $99,130 | Median wage for broader SOC 15-1244 |
| PayScale | $70,343 | Average exact-title base salary from 1,364 profiles |
| Indeed | $85,059 | Average exact-title base salary from about 2,800 posting-derived records |
These are different populations and pay measures, not interchangeable estimates of starting pay.
BLS projects the broader occupation to decline 4% between 2025 and 2035, from about 323,600 to 310,400 positions, but expects approximately 13,400 openings per year as workers leave the occupation. Automation, outsourcing, and changes in how infrastructure is managed affect the outlook. Some administrators work evenings or weekends for upgrades and emergencies.
For a specific employer example, an October 2026 Inland Empire Utilities Agency posting lists $132,809–$161,812 for an experienced network administrator in California. Its duties include business and industrial networks, servers, and security. That figure is not a national benchmark or entry-level salary.
Frequently Asked Questions
The job includes security tasks such as access controls, firewall changes and safe updates. Its primary purpose is keeping networks available and reliable.
No, although employers sometimes combine them. Network administration focuses on connections and network devices; systems administration focuses more on servers and operating systems.
BLS identifies one as typical for the broader occupation, but some employers accept an associate degree, certificate or relevant technical experience. Job postings set specific requirements.
Network+ provides broad networking coverage; CCNA goes further into networking topics that include Cisco technologies. Look at the equipment and requirements in your target jobs.
Monitoring dashboards, equipment interfaces, logs, connectivity commands and sometimes packet-analysis tools. The equipment varies by employer.
Yes. Experience finding and resolving switch, Wi-Fi or VPN problems can be relevant. Explain the problem, your checks and the result when applying.
References
- BLS | Occupational wages | Accessed October 2026
- O*NET | Role and responsibilities | Accessed October 2026
- Cisco | CCNA certification | Accessed October 2026