Network and Computer Systems Administrators

At a glance

  • Median Salary
    $72,202
  • Local Jobs
    285
  • Entry-Level Education
    Certification
computer specialist at work

Occupation Profile

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.

By the Numbers

Daily 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.
  • Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
  • Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and where changes will be needed in the future.
  • Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.
  • Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
  • Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
  • Confer with network users about solutions to existing system problems.
  • Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records.
  • Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms.
  • Train people in computer system use.
  • Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records.
  • Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements.
  • Coordinate with vendors and with company personnel to facilitate purchases.

Occupational Skills

What skills are necessary for a Network and Computer Systems Administrators career?

Hard Skills

  • Auditing
  • Computer Science
  • Disaster Recovery
  • Information Systems
  • Linux
  • Local Area Networks
  • Management Information Systems
  • Network Administration
  • Operating Systems
  • System Administration

Soft Skills

  • Communications
  • Customer Service
  • Detail Oriented
  • Management
  • Multitasking
  • Operations
  • Planning
  • Problem Solving
  • Research
  • Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)

Hard skills are specific, learnable, measurable, often industry- or occupation-specific abilities related to a position.

Soft skills can be self-taught and usually do not necessitate a certain completed level of education. They are essential in many industries and occupations.

Educational Programs

  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CreditDegree, Cert60/22NoYes
  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CertificateCert190YesNo
  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CertificateCert110YesNo
  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CertificateCert300YesNo
  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CertificateCert80YesNo
  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CertificateCert75YesNo
  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CertificateCert150YesNo
  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CertificateCert75YesNo
  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    CertificateCert580YesNo
  • TypeCredentialHrsOnlineFinancial Aid
    [object Object]Cert580YesNo
  • Learn more aboutNetwork and Computer Systems Administrators

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