What Does a Network Administrator Do?
A network administrator manages and maintains the daily operations of an organization’s computer networks to ensure consistent performance and connectivity. These professionals are responsible for configuring and maintaining network hardware (such as switches, routers, and firewalls), monitoring traffic and system alerts, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and deploying updates to prevent downtime. They play a key role in ensuring that local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and cloud-connected systems function securely and efficiently.
Network administrators work closely with other IT professionals to support infrastructure scalability, network security, and compliance. In many environments, they also manage user access, configure VPNs, oversee backup and recovery processes, and assist with hardware installations and network expansions. Their work is essential for keeping business operations online, secure, and optimized, especially in environments that rely on real-time data and remote collaboration.
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Network Administrator Core Responsibilities
- Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot LANs, WANs, VPNs, and firewalls
- Monitor network performance and respond to alerts or outages
- Manage switches, routers, wireless access points, and related hardware
- Implement and enforce network security protocols and access controls
- Perform system updates, firmware patches, and preventative maintenance
- Support users with connectivity issues and serve as escalation for helpdesk tickets
- Maintain documentation of network diagrams, IP address usage, and change logs
- Coordinate with vendors and ISPs for network services and support
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in configuring and managing network hardware (e.g., Cisco, Juniper)
- Familiarity with protocols and technologies such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and VPNs
- Experience with network monitoring tools (e.g., PRTG, SolarWinds, Wireshark)
- Understanding of firewalls, access control lists, and intrusion detection systems
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving under pressure
- Strong attention to detail and documentation practices
- Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in real-time
Education
- Associate’s degree in information technology, computer science, or related field
- Bachelor’s degree is recommended for complex or enterprise-level environments
Certifications
- CompTIA Network+ (required or strongly preferred)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Fundamentals is also recommended for hybrid environments
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience in network administration or IT infrastructure support
- Experience working in regulated environments (e.g., HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2)
- Familiarity with virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V) and backup systems
- Experience supporting remote or multi-site networks
National Average Salary
Network administrator salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Network Administrator is:
$84,958
Sample Job Description Templates for Network Administrators
Junior Network Administrator
Position Overview
We are seeking a Junior Network Administrator to provide hands-on support for daily network operations and basic troubleshooting tasks. This entry-level role is ideal for candidates with foundational networking knowledge and a desire to grow within a professional IT infrastructure environment. You’ll assist in managing hardware, monitoring network performance, and resolving user connectivity issues.
Responsibilities
- Support the configuration and maintenance of routers, switches, and wireless access points
- Monitor system alerts and assist with identifying and resolving basic connectivity issues
- Respond to helpdesk tickets related to network performance or access problems
- Document network activity, equipment configurations, and user access changes
- Assist senior staff with patching, updates, and system rollouts
- Perform routine audits of devices and physical cabling
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of networking concepts (IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, VLANs)
- Familiarity with operating systems and command-line interfaces
- Exposure to network hardware and cabling standards
Soft skills
- Willingness to learn and follow procedures
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail and a proactive mindset
Education
- Associate’s degree in IT, computer networking, or related field
Certifications
- CompTIA Network+ (required or obtained within 6 months)
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or part-time IT support experience
- Exposure to Cisco or Ubiquiti networking gear
Mid-Level Network Administrator
Position Overview
We are hiring a Mid-Level Network Administrator to manage core infrastructure systems and ensure uptime across local and wide area networks. You’ll be responsible for configuring and maintaining routing equipment, resolving escalated tickets, and implementing network security protocols. The ideal candidate has experience supporting multi-site environments and working independently on network projects.
Responsibilities
- Configure and support switches, routers, wireless controllers, and VPNs
- Monitor network traffic and respond to performance or security alerts
- Troubleshoot and resolve advanced connectivity issues across the organization
- Maintain documentation for network topology, IP schema, and firewall rules
- Collaborate with IT security, systems, and support teams for integrated operations
- Apply firmware upgrades and coordinate with vendors for service escalations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and subnetting
- Experience managing enterprise hardware (Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, etc.)
- Working knowledge of firewall management and intrusion prevention tools
Soft skills
- Strong organizational skills and self-motivation
- Ability to manage projects and balance reactive tasks
- Excellent cross-functional communication
Education
- Associate’s degree required
- Bachelor’s degree in IT, networking, or related field is recommended
Certifications
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA (strongly preferred)
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of hands-on network administration experience
- Experience with Microsoft Active Directory, PowerShell, or VoIP systems
Senior Network Administrator
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior Network Administrator to lead complex network deployments, oversee infrastructure upgrades, and serve as a technical mentor within our IT team. This role requires a deep understanding of enterprise networking principles and a track record of maintaining secure, highly available environments.
Responsibilities
- Design, configure, and support scalable LAN/WAN and VPN infrastructures
- Manage high-availability firewalls, load balancers, and wireless networks
- Lead troubleshooting of critical network outages and root cause analysis
- Perform network audits and vulnerability assessments
- Plan and implement network changes, hardware refreshes, and capacity upgrades
- Provide guidance and escalation support to junior IT staff
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of routing, switching, VLAN segmentation, and QoS
- Proficiency with firewall platforms (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco ASA)
- Familiarity with network automation tools and monitoring platforms
Soft skills
- Leadership presence and technical mentorship capability
- High-level analytical thinking and documentation rigor
- Ability to communicate clearly with executives and non-technical stakeholders
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in IT, computer engineering, or related field
Certifications
- Cisco CCNA required; CCNP strongly preferred
- CompTIA Security+ or equivalent is recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of enterprise-level networking experience
- Experience in hybrid cloud and on-prem infrastructure
Network Operations Center Lead
Position Overview
We are hiring a NOC Lead to oversee 24/7 network monitoring, incident response, and operational support across our enterprise network. You’ll supervise a team of NOC analysts, ensure timely resolution of service disruptions, and coordinate with infrastructure teams to maintain system health.
Responsibilities
- Manage the day-to-day activities of the NOC team, including ticket escalation and shift coverage
- Monitor network systems, alert dashboards, and performance metrics
- Respond to incidents, lead troubleshooting efforts, and document resolutions
- Maintain runbooks and escalation procedures for consistent support operations
- Provide training and support for NOC analysts
- Collaborate with network and security engineers to prevent recurring issues
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios, Zabbix)
- Knowledge of core networking protocols, DNS, SNMP, and SLA standards
- Experience with ITIL or other structured support methodologies
Soft skills
- Team leadership and shift management
- Strong written documentation and ticketing habits
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-availability environments
Education
- Associate’s degree required; bachelor’s recommended
Certifications
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA or equivalent preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of network support experience, including incident response
- Prior supervisory experience in an NOC or MSP setting
Network Infrastructure Manager
Position Overview
We are looking for a Network Infrastructure Manager to lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of all enterprise networking systems. This is a strategic IT leadership role responsible for performance, scalability, and security of the organization’s network backbone.
Responsibilities
- Oversee all networking projects, budgets, and vendor relationships
- Lead architecture reviews and approve design changes to network infrastructure
- Manage team of network administrators and engineers
- Establish and enforce network standards, policies, and documentation
- Drive initiatives related to disaster recovery, redundancy, and cybersecurity
- Monitor network KPIs and report performance to executive leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Enterprise-level expertise in switching, routing, VPN, and firewall infrastructure
- Experience managing MPLS, SD-WAN, and hybrid cloud networks
- Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, etc.)
Soft skills
- Strategic planning and team leadership
- Executive communication and budget management
- Risk mitigation and cross-functional collaboration
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in information technology or network engineering
Certifications
- Cisco CCNP, Fortinet NSE, or equivalent required
- ITIL Foundation or PMP certification is recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years in network engineering with 3+ years in a leadership role
- Experience managing multi-site and cloud-integrated environments