Network Administrator Careers Information
Network administrators are responsible for installing and maintaining the computer network systems used by businesses, schools, and government organizations. As our society has shifted a large part of our communication and commerce over to them, these digital networks have become increasingly important. Working in the background, it is the corp of network administrators who keep it all running as smoothly as possible.
Network Administrator Careers & Degrees
- Colorado Technical University - Undergraduate: Undergraduate - Online
- B.S. in Information Technology - Network Management
- Master of Science in Information Technology - Network Management
American Intercontinental University: Online
Network administrators work closely with business managers, school administrators, and government officials to understand the needs of the organization. After some planning, they will set up a network that meets these needs in the most efficient and cost effective way possible. For a business, this may mean creating servers that can handle a large volume of internet sales through the company website; for a government agency or school, creating a database that can store common records and be easily accessed by all.
After the initial installation, network administrators may train those who will using the system and answer any questions. In large organizations, especially companies which rely on networks for sales, one or many network administrators will work full-time to handle the technical problems that inevitably arise.
Network Administrator Careers Path
Most network administrators have a Bachelor’s degree in computer or information science, though a professional degree or other Bachelor’s degree with computer related courses may be sufficient to gain an entry level position. Most network administrators begin by working under more senior administrators. After gaining experience and perhaps professional certifications as proof of competence, these workers may move up into higher level positions with more responsibility.
Network Administrator Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Highly analytic, excellent communication skills, problem solver, works well with others, multi-tasker, project oriented, technologically savvy.
Network Administrator Careers: Salary Expectations
The average salary for network administrators is $66,310 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning between $51,690 and $84,110. Pay can depend on a network administrator’s place of employment. Those who work for larger companies average $70,680 a year, while those employed by elementary and secondary schools make an average of $56,320. Those with more experience may be able to move into supervisory positions and make more money.
Network Administrator Careers: Job Outlook
Job prospects for network administrators in the coming years is excellent. The projected job growth by 2018 is 23%, which is much higher than the national average of careers. The field of network systems and data communications analysts is expected to grow even more with 53%.
Businesses are becoming reliant on the internet for sales and businesses, government agencies, and schools need networks to facilitate communication between various departments. Therefore, network administrators will be needed to maintain and repair these integral systems. Those administrators with a college degree and certification should do quite well, though some employers additionally look for work experience.
Slightly off the Footpath
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos305.htm (visited August 10, 2011).
