How to become a network administrator: A complete career guide

Network administration can be an exciting and rewarding career. After all, almost every business’ IT infrastructure depends on computer networks. So, what exactly does a network administrator do?

The job of a network administrator is to maintain, manage, and operate these computer networks on a daily basis. They set up, operate, and maintain an organization’s computer systems, such as, wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), intranets, network segments, and other data communication systems.

• Become a network administrator
• What is a network administrator
• Job descriptions
• Salary

A network administrator optimizes a network infrastructure including hardware, software, and policies. The administrator watches out for attacks that may try to corrupt or change data within an entire system or on individual computers.

In essence, a network administrator is the caretaker of an organization’s networks — every device attached to the network, every application running on those devices, and everything being passed through the network falls under their purview. These professionals ensure that the systems are secure from harmful attacks, that installed software works as expected, and that applications function properly with other apps on the same system.

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A network administrator may also:

• Evaluate and improve the performance of a network or system
• Add computer users to a network, as well as grant and modify security permissions on the network
• Instruct people on how to use hardware and software
• Review and resolve any issues on the network

Network administration is a hands-on job that requires close attention to detail and creativity in solving problems.

How to become a network administrator

The usual path to become a network administrator involves obtaining a Network Administrator Bachelor’s Degree. Another option is to obtain a computer science bachelor’s degree with a concentration in network administration or an information technology (IT) degree, which includes learning about high-level concepts in computer networking and how they work. Online IT degrees are also becoming more common.

However, since administrators work with computer hardware and technology, a degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering is sufficient as well. Classes in networking, computer programming, and system design are frequently included in these programs. 

Another option is to earn an associate’s degree in information technology. If possible, students should take courses that cover topics like routing, switching, and security protocols. These classes share several areas of knowledge with the first two paths but may provide less technical focus than the more traditional bachelor degree programs.

Another path to becoming a network administrator is through experience – having the right certifications can help you catch the attention of hiring managers who prefer people already trained for this position. Cybersecurity certifications can also be obtained by passing exams proctored by organizations like Cisco and CompTIA. 

Beyond meeting education requirements and obtaining certifications, students should create a resume that speaks to their experience working with PCs and networking equipment in an IT environment. If possible, network administrators should also work toward obtaining vendor-specific credentials. As in many other IT careers, professional networking also helps when it comes to finding employment in this field.

What does a day in the life of a network administrator look like?

Work as a network administrator can be incredibly challenging. Network administrators may need to:

• Respond to network issues as they arise – troubleshooting, determining the root cause, and potential steps toward recovery (or patching as a temporary solution)
• Address user requests for assistance with hardware and software
• Create and manage business continuity plans in case of device failure or natural

A network administrator may be responsible for:

• Making sure the network and servers are secure and up to date with patches and upgrades
• Managing security software like firewalls and related systems
• Monitoring server logs for any anomalies or suspicious activity
• Checking email alerts triggered by security devices or system monitoring tools
• Installing, configuring and maintaining electronic hardware such as routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers and wireless access points (WAP)

Career paths in network administration

A career in network administration can lead anywhere from maintaining a single system to managing an entire organization’s IT needs. Some organizations may require their administrators to meet a general set of requirements while others allow administrators to specialize in specific areas like servers, networking equipment, or security.

As network administrators gain experience, they can become certified in additional areas of IT like virtualization, cloud computing, and storage systems. This will broaden their job opportunities within the organization they’re working for or allow them to branch out into new positions at other companies that need support.

How much does a network administrator make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as companies invest in more advanced and faster technology, demand for these types of information technology (IT) professionals will increase. As healthcare’s use of information technology expands, employment is expected to rise.

Ziprecruiter also shared that the average annual pay for a Network Administrator in the United States as of 2023 is at $72,695, with a range as high as $113,000 and as low as $36,000.

Network administrator job descriptions

Interested in learning more about some of the specific career roles in the Network Administration field? Here are some common Network Administrator jobs you might see mentioned in job descriptions.

Network administrator

Responsible for maintaining computer networks. This involves performing tasks like installing new computers, performing security audits, and checking the network hardware regularly. The administrator must also resolve any issues that crop up with the network itself. A bachelor’s degree in either computer science or business is usually required for this position.

Examples of responsibilities include:

• Installing software upgrades on servers and client devices
• Monitoring systems for downtime caused by viruses/malware infections or other   problems
• Testing backups to make sure they work correctly
• Configuring wireless access points (WAP)

Network engineer

This job requires extensive knowledge of networking hardware and software. An engineer will also manage network security. Many employers prefer that candidates have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology with coursework in networks and programming including some specific to the employer’s platform (i.e., Cisco).

Examples of responsibilities include:

• Making sure servers are operating correctly
• Updating the organization’s storage infrastructure
• Ensuring backup systems work properly
• Installing new devices like routers, switches and firewalls

Systems administrator

A System Administrator might report to a Network Administrator or IT Manager but they are usually responsible for everything that happens with one or more systems including both hardware and software components. It’s not uncommon to see a certification like Microsoft MCSA used in a job description as a must-have minimum requirement.

Examples of responsibilities include:

• Archiving data on servers
• Archiving data on a company’s storage system
• Monitoring new applications for security issues before they’re implemented
• Reporting any system failures to the appropriate parties

Network security administrator

This is an important position within IT because it involves keeping all data secure from unauthorized access, manipulation, or destruction by  external agents. In addition, this person manages the security of electronic devices connected to the network. To succeed in this role, you require extensive knowledge of networking, wireless security, and firewalls.

Examples of responsibilities include:

• Managing the firewall to ensure proper configuration for business requirements
• Identifying any suspicious behavior related to viruses/malware infections on the network
• Monitoring incoming traffic at all times for potential threats
• Installing new devices or software that might improve security

Network administrator

This job involves managing computer networks. It’s not uncommon for Network Administrators to need certification before being hired by many companies. An example is Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Networking experience with devices like routers, switches, and firewalls is required as well as working knowledge of storage, cloud and database technologies.

Examples of responsibilities include:

• Regularly checking the network for viruses / malware infections and resolving any issues that may come up
• Regulating bandwidth used by all employees so everyone can be on the Internet at once without interruption
• Maintaining backups of data on servers and storage devices to prevent data loss in case of a hardware failure or hacking incident

Network support engineer

This person ensures that users have a good experience while using computer networks, telephony, and other electronic communications systems within an organization. They’re also expected to manage the support process which includes keeping records related to this area and helping with troubleshooting problems when necessary. An ideal candidate should have some technical background besides excellent communication skills.

Examples of responsibilities include:

• Keeping detailed records of all tickets/issues that need to be resolved by team members
• Testing new network hardware before it’s implemented into the company’s infrastructure
• Managing software tools that are used for testing and resolving problems within a system

A recap of a career as a network administrator

As you can see, a career as a Network Administrator can be a diverse and interesting role. It involves keeping employees connected and productive, ensuring that data is stored securely, and working on improving the overall strength of a company’s network.

While a typical day can vary, it usually involves some combination of these responsibilities in addition to administrative duties.

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in network administration is the gold standard, there are other acceptable career pathways to find success in this field. Examples include computer engineering degrees, IT associate degrees, and certification programs. With a generous median salary, this type of career can be a financially rewarding one as well.

Frequently asked questions