What does a network administrator do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Network and computer systems administrators install, configure and support an organization's local area networks, wide area networks and computer systems. They keep systems running, secure and up to date. Most have a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, and employers may require certification in the products they use.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 15-1244.00 (Network and Computer Systems Administrators) |
| Typical entry-level education | Bachelor's degree |
| Licensing | None; employers may require product certifications |
| Median annual wage | $99,130 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | -4 percent, 2025 to 2035 (decline) |
| Number of jobs | 323,600 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 13,400 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a network administrator do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) lists these duties:
- Determine an organization's network and system needs and install operating and application hardware and software.
- Provide input on hardware or software for purchasing decisions.
- Make needed upgrades and repairs to networks and ensure 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 system.
Work environment
Computer systems design and related services employ 16 percent of administrators, educational services 13 percent, finance and insurance 9 percent, state and local government (excluding education and hospitals) 8 percent and information 7 percent. Most work full time and some work more than 40 hours per week. Administrators may need to work evenings, nights or weekends when systems need attention.
Education, training and licensing
- Education: Administrators typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field such as engineering. Some employers require only a postsecondary certificate or an associate's degree.
- Certifications: Employers may require administrators to be certified in the products they use. See CareerOneStop for certification information.
- Experience: The OOH lists no prior work experience requirement for this occupation.
Skills that matter
The OOH names analytical skills, communication skills, creative skills, multitasking skills, problem-solving skills and technical skills. O*NET lists the skills, knowledge and work activities for this occupation, which is useful when you tailor a resume.
How much do network administrators make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $99,130 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $62,640 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $155,050. Our guide on how to research pay explains how to compare this with an offer.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to decline 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, a loss of 13,200 jobs. About 13,400 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, all expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force.
How to get hired
- Document real systems. Describe the networks and servers you have run, even in a home lab or a student environment, with scale and results.
- Match certifications to postings. Read the products named in the jobs you want and certify in those.
- Show security and monitoring habits. Permissions, patching, backups and incident response are central duties.
- Tailor your resume. Our ATS resume guide explains how to match keywords honestly. Moving from support work? See career change resume.
- Search steadily. Use our find a job fast routine and search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Computer and information systems managers; computer hardware engineers; computer network architects; computer programmers; computer support specialists; computer systems analysts; database administrators and architects; information security analysts; software developers; web developers and digital designers.
Frequently asked questions
Do network administrators need a degree? Administrators typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, though some employers accept a postsecondary certificate or an associate's degree.
Do systems administrators need certifications? Employers may require certification in the products they use.
Do network administrators work on call? They may need to work evenings, nights or weekends.
Is this occupation growing? BLS projects a 4 percent decline from 2025 to 2035, with about 13,400 openings a year from replacement needs.
Related guides
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Network and Computer Systems Administrators: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Network and Computer Systems Administrators (15-1244.00): https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1244.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
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