Network and Computer Systems Administrators

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.

Also called: LAN Administrator (Local Area Network Administrator), LAN Specialist (Local Area Network Specialist), Network Administrator (Network Admin), Network Analyst, Network Coordinator, Network Engineer, Network Manager, Network Specialist, Systems Engineer, Application Security Administrator, Application Systems Administrator, Computer Support Specialist, Computer Systems Security Administrator (Computer Systems Security Admin), E-Mail System Administrator (Electronic Mail System Administrator), Enterprise Systems Administrator, Hardware Installation Coordinator, Information Systems Administrator, Information Systems Operator, Internet Systems Administrator, Internetwork Expert (CCIE), IS Coordinator (Information Systems Coordinator), IT Administrator (Information Technology Administrator), IT Analyst (Information Technology Analyst), IT Systems Admin (Information Technology Systems Administrator), LAN Systems Administrator (Local Area Network Systems Administrator), Mainframe Systems Administrator, Network Control Analyst, Network Professional (CCNP), Network Security Administrator, Network Support Administrator, Network Support Coordinator, Network Support Manager, Network Support Specialist, Network Systems Administrator, Network Systems Coordinator, Network Technician, Network Transport Administrator, Networking Administrator, Provider Network Manager, Server Administrator, Software Manager, Systems Administrator (Systems Admin), Systems Operator, Systems Specialist, Systems Tester Administrator, WAN Administrator (Wide Area Network Administrator), WAN Systems Administrator (Wide Area Network Systems Administrator), Windows Administrator

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
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.
Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
Confer with network users about solutions to existing system problems.
Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use.
Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records.
Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and where changes will be needed in the future.
Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.

Skills, machines and equipment

Active Listening
Troubleshooting
Judgment and Decision Making
Systems Analysis
Systems Evaluation
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Complex Problem Solving
Programming
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree (30.00% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

78,010–126,640 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 15-1244.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree (30.00% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators