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.
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.
Network and computer systems administrators typically do the following:
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 335,400 jobs in 2023. The largest employers of network and computer systems administrators were as follows:
| Computer systems design and related services | 16% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 11 |
| Finance and insurance | 10 |
| Information | 8 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 7 |
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.
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. Others may require a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree.
Some employers require a postsecondary certificate or an associate's degree. However, network and computer systems administrators typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering. These programs usually include courses in computer programming, networking, and systems design.
Network and computer systems administrators need to keep up with developments in the constantly changing field of information technology (IT). They may continue to take courses throughout their careers and attend IT conferences to keep up with the latest technology.
Employers may require their network and computer systems administrators to be certified in the products they use. Certification programs usually are offered directly from vendors or from vendor-neutral certification providers. Certification validates the knowledge and the use of best practices that are required of network and computer systems administrators.
Network administrators may advance to become computer network architects. They also may advance to managerial jobs in IT departments, such as computer and information systems managers.
Analytical skills. Administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as organizations’ needs change.
Communication skills. Administrators should be able to explain technical concepts and processes to non-IT workers.
Creative skills. Administrators may need to take an innovative approach to make networks or systems work, such as when integrating new products with existing hardware or software.
Multitasking skills. Administrators may have to work on many tasks at the same time, whether setup, monitoring, or troubleshooting.
Problem-solving skills. Administrators must be able to resolve problems that arise with computer networks and systems.
Technical skills. Administrators need programming skills and the ability to work with a variety of computer hardware and software.
Median annual wages, May 2023
The median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators was $95,360 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $58,680, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $148,710.
In May 2023, the median annual wages for network and computer systems administrators in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Information | $104,070 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 101,510 |
| Finance and insurance | 98,970 |
| Computer systems design and related services | 97,590 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 82,680 |
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.
Percent change in employment, projected 2023-33
Employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to decline 3 percent from 2023 to 2033.
Despite declining employment, about 16,400 openings for network and computer systems administrators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Network and computer systems administrators will continue to be needed throughout the economy to maintain and upgrade computer networks. However, some of their tasks are increasingly being done by software developers focused on DevOps (development operations), and some tasks are being outsourced to companies who provide Networks-as-a-Service. Additionally, systems administrators are increasingly automating routine tasks.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2023 | Projected Employment, 2033 | Change, 2023-33 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program | |||||||
Network and computer systems administrators | 15-1244 | 335,400 | 326,600 | -3 | -8,800 | Get data | |
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of network and computer systems administrators.
| Occupation | Job Duties | ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION  | 2023 MEDIAN PAY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. | Bachelor's degree | $169,510 |
 | Computer Hardware Engineers | Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components. | Bachelor's degree | $138,080 |
 | Computer Network Architects | Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. | Bachelor's degree | $129,840 |
 | Computer Programmers | Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly. | Bachelor's degree | $99,700 |
 | Computer Support Specialists | Computer support specialists maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users. | See How to Become One | $60,810 |
 | Computer Systems Analysts | Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency. | Bachelor's degree | $103,800 |
 | Database Administrators and Architects | Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data. | Bachelor's degree | $117,450 |
 | Electrical and Electronics Engineers | Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment. | Bachelor's degree | $109,010 |
 | Information Security Analysts | Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. | Bachelor's degree | $120,360 |
 | Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers | Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects. | Bachelor's degree | $130,160 |
 | Web Developers and Digital Designers | Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability. | Bachelor's degree | $92,750 |
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