Network Administrator

October 30, 2016

Network Administrator Job Description

Network administrators are responsible for designing computer networks. On a daily basis they prepare, test, and evaluate systems including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, and other communication systems. Systems used in businesses and firms are set-up in many different ways and range from a connection between two single buildings or a globally distributed network, that includes e-mail and voice-mail. The network administrators have to ensure that they perform network modeling, planning, and analysis of these systems to ensure that they are working properly. Additionally, they are also required to research products related to the field and make any necessary software or hardware recommendations to ensure that the system is both secure and operating efficiently.

Network administrators also design, install, and support their organization’s computer systems. In addition to the previously mentioned responsibilities, they are also responsible for network segments and intranet systems. Individuals work in a wide range of industries, including corporations, government organizations, small businesses, and schools. There main goal is to ensure availability to users of the network through proper installation, network hardware and software maintenance, problem analyzing, and networks monitoring which are vital to accomplish this goal.

Network Administrator Salary Statistics as of 2015

Average annual salary for a Network Administrator is $52462 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest salary recorded was $75349. The lowest salary was $35229. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Median hourly wage for a Network Administrator is $15.06 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest hourly rate recorded was $21.53. The lowest hourly rate recorded was $8.59. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Bonuses for a Network Administrator are based on the years of experience using statistics from the U.S. as of 2015. The average bonus recorded was $0 from people with 15+ years of experience. The average bonus recorded was $0 from people with under 1 year of experience.

These are the highest paying states for a Network Administrator. These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
California – $41,028 – $83,337
Florida – $32,779 – $75,561
Illinois – $39,363 – $77,848
Michigan – $34,432 – $66,009
New York – $40,571 – $77,975
Pennsylvania – $38,173 – $66,183
Texas – $34,911 – $72,145

These are the highest paying cities for a Network Administrator. These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
Houston, Texas –
New York, New York –
Chicago, Illinois –
Atlanta, Georgia –
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania –
Dallas, Texas –
St. Louis, Missouri –

This chart outlines the average annual salary of a Network Administrator from the past 5 years. In 2015 the average annual salary was $52462 while in 2007 it was just $48652.35

Education and Training

In order to have a career as a network administrator, a bachelor’s degree is generally expected. In some instances, an associate degree or professional certification may also be suitable in addition to prior work experience. Many workers in this field begin with a career as a computer support specialist before they advance to the role of network administrator.

The most common majors for network administrators include information science and management information systems. However, a degree in any field, supplemented by computer courses can prepare an individual for a career in this field as well. It will take four years to complete a degree and students can expect to take coursers related to computer programming, computer science, mathematics, computer engineering, and statistics. Many programs will also include general education, or core courses, such as communications and English. For students who chose the management information systems programs, they can expect to take courses in database management, systems security, systems design, networking.

Although individuals in this field generally work alone, its important to have a strong background in both communication skills and problem solving. This is especially true if there s a desire for advancement.

Job Outlook

Employment within the network administrator field is expected to increase by 30 percent into the year 2018, which is a much higher rate than the average growth rate for many career fields. This growth will add some 286,000 jobs into the industry during this time. Those responsible for networks are considered a vital part of business and the demand for workers in this field will increase as more businesses and firms invest in new technologies.

Gender Statistics

Related Jobs

94%

Based on our stats gathered across the U.S. 94% of Network Administrators were males while 6% were females. These numbers are based on averages across all states combined. Some individual states may have a much different ratio however.

Past Jobs

Network Administrator, IT
$31,220 – $68,671
Computer / Network Support Technician
$24,351 – $56,343
Information Technology Specialist
$29,430 – $84,844

Future Jobs

Network Engineer
$39,976 – $91,949
Information Technology (IT) Manager
$42,611 – $120,323
Senior Network Administrator, IT
$44,747 – $89,344