Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $99,130/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$62,640$155,050

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: -4.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.

About 14,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisActive ListeningTroubleshootingMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingSystems EvaluationProgramming

Top knowledge areas

Computers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceEngineering and TechnologyTelecommunicationsMathematicsAdministrativeAdministration and Management

Core tasks

• Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.

• Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.

• Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.

• Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use.

• Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and where changes will be needed in the future.

• Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.

• Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Network and Computer Systems Administrators?

The median pay for Network and Computer Systems Administrators is $99,130 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Network and Computer Systems Administrators?

Employment for Network and Computer Systems Administrators is projected to change -4.2% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.

What education is typically required for Network and Computer Systems Administrators?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Network and Computer Systems Administrators?

About 14,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.