### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Network and Computer Systems Administrators Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			network and computer systems administrators imageAdministrators maintain network LANs, WANs, and intranets.							
						Quick Facts:     Network and Computer Systems Administrators2023     Median Pay
            						$95,360     per year
										$45.84     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    339,900Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    2% (As fast as average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    8,300What Network and Computer Systems Administrators Do
                                                
                        
                        
Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ computer networks and systems.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Network and computer systems administrators work for a variety of organizations, including computer systems design firms, schools, and financial institutions. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Administrators may work evenings, nights, and weekends to monitor, maintain, or update networks and systems.
            
                                                How to Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator
                                                
                        
To enter the occupation, network and computer systems administrators typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators was $95,360 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow							 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
						About 19,800 openings for network and computer systems administrators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for network and computer systems administrators.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of network and computer systems administrators with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about network and computer systems administrators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Network and Computer Systems Administrators Do 
            

			Network and computer systems administratorsAdministrators fix computer server problems.			
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.
Duties
Network and computer systems administrators typically do the following:
Determine an organization’s network and system needs and install operating and application hardware and software
Provide input on hardware or software for an organization's purchasing decisions
Make needed upgrades and repairs to networks and ensure that systems are operating correctly
Maintain network and computer system security
Evaluate and optimize network and system performance
Add users to a network and assign security permissions
Train users on the organization’s network and systems
Diagnose and resolve problems when alerted by a user or an automated monitoring systemNetwork 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.
 Work Environment
			Network and computer systems administratorsNetwork and computer systems administrators collaborate with other IT workers.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Network and computer systems administrators held about 339,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of network and computer systems administrators were as follows:
        Computer systems design and related services
                17%Educational services; state, local, and private
                11Finance and insurance
                9Information
                9Management of companies and enterprises
                7Network 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.
Work Schedules
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.
 How to Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator

			Network and computer systems administratorsAdministrators need analytical skills to ensure that networks and systems perform reliably.			
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.
Education
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.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
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.
Advancement
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.
Important Qualities
***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.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Network and Computer Systems AdministratorsMedian annual wages, May 2023Computer occupations$104,420  Network and computer systems administrators$95,360  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
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
                $104,070Management of companies and enterprises
                101,510Finance and insurance
                98,970Computer systems design and related services
                97,590Educational services; state, local, and private
                82,680Most 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.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Network and Computer Systems AdministratorsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Computer occupations14%  Total, all occupations3%  Network and computer systems administrators2%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow				 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
			
			About 19,800 openings for network and computer systems administrators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Demand for network and computer systems administrators should continue, along with firms' investment in newer, faster technology and mobile networks. The continued expansion of cloud computing and the demand for upgraded computer equipment and software will support a need for network and computer systems administrators to maintain these systems.
			

                        Employment projections data for     network and computer systems administrators, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Network and computer systems administrators**
			15-1244
			339,900
			348,200
			2
			8,300
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Network and computer systems administrators **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations 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**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**Electrical and Electronics Engineers**
            Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.
            Bachelor's degree
            $109,010**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
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about computer careers, visit
Association for Computing Machinery
CompTIA
IEEE Computer Society
For information about opportunities for women pursuing information technology careers, visit
National Center for Women & Information Technology

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Network and Computer Systems Administrators
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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