Job Description
A Network Administrator usually maintains the essential hardware of a company’s network, such as cables, hubs, switches, routers, servers, and clients, plus networking software like operating systems, memory backup, and email servers. They are also in charge of installing updates to software and troubleshooting system issues.
A Network Administrator needs to stay abreast of the latest changes in technology, to maintain the most efficient system for their company. Also, it’s up to the Network Administrator to decide how and when to change cable configurations, nomenclature for various servers, computers, and network systems, and determine what equipment or software needs to be purchased when it comes time to upgrade the network.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Fully support, configure, maintain, and upgrade corporate networks and in-house servers
- Install and integrate new server hardware and applications
- Specify system requirements and design solutions
- Procure network equipment
- Managing subcontractors involved with network installation
- Maximize network performance through ongoing monitoring and troubleshooting
Education and Background
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
Professional certification, such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate, is strongly preferred.
Skills and Competencies
- Experience with firewalls, internet VPNs, remote implementation, troubleshooting, and problem resolution
- Knowledge of various networking platforms like Windows Server, SolarWinds, Cisco, and Linux
- Ability to set up and configure server hardware
- Hands-on experience in networking, routing, and switching
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Compensation
According to Payscale the median annual salary of a Network Administrator with
1 Year of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $55,000
- Tampa, Florida: $60,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $48,000
- Miami, Florida: $60,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $60,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $65,000
- Houston, Texas: $68,000
- Los Angeles, California: $72,000
- New York City, New York: $70,000
- Seattle, Washington: $70,000
- Overall: $65,000
5 Years of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $65,000
- Tampa, Florida: $70,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $63,000
- Miami, Florida: $70,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $80,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $80,000
- Houston, Texas: $79,000
- Los Angeles, California: $80,000
- New York City, New York: $82,000
- Seattle, Washington: $80,000
- Overall: $78,000
Similar Job Titles
- System Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Data Network Engineer
- IT Network Engineer
- Network Engineer Administrator
- Wide-Area Network Engineer
- Client-Server Network Architect
- Network Architect
- Network Analyst
- Network Infrastructure Administrator
Career Path
A Network Administrator must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. It’s also helpful to pursue internships in the IT departments of tech companies or other businesses while in college.
Troubleshooting and logical thinking skills are essential for a successful Network Administrator because they’ll have to quickly think through the possible causes and potential solutions to network issues. Also, Network Administrators are often called upon to recall technical facts related to the platforms their organizations use.
Obtaining professional certifications like CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Network Associate, Cisco Certified Network Professional, SolarWinds Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate, or the various Oracle certifications is vital for any Network Administrator. Companies are often attracted to candidates who have taken the initiative to obtain these important certifications.
Position Trends
It’s always crucial for a Network Administrator to stay up on the latest trends. According to the tech company Cisco, the move to 5G technology is one trend Network Administrators must be aware of in the coming years. 5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology, designed to increase the speed and flexibility of wireless services.
The increasing size of the Internet of Things (IoT) is another trend Network Administrators should follow. More and more objects are becoming “smart” and connecting to computer networks to communicate with other objects and people. Some industry analysts think IoT could be a transformative, permanent paradigm shift.
Also, more Network Administrators will be called upon to develop their soft skills in the coming years. Network Administrators have to interact with people at all levels of an organization. That means they have to communicate complicated ideas to people who may not have a great deal of technical expertise.
Job Outlook
The need for Network Administrators is expected to stay steady in the coming years as more businesses take advantage of technology to perform their everyday work.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the network and computer systems administrator field is expected to grow by five percent between 2018 and 2028, which is as fast as average.
Typical Hours
The typical work hours in an office setting for a Network Administrator are usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Extra work hours may be necessary to troubleshoot issues with a particular system.
Where You Can Find Jobs
- 4 Corner Resources
- Career Builder
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Monster
- Zip Recruiter
- IT Career Finder
Are You Interested in Becoming a Network Administrator?
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