The responsibilities of network and computer systems administrators are to ensure that an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet and intranet are running efficiently. Their duties include installing and providing ongoing support for these computer networks. Other tasks include installing, maintaining and analyzing hardware and software issues as well as identifying business and organizational needs and requirements.
System administrators mainly focus on sustaining the efficiency of various computer systems within an organization. They work on making sure that the different elements of a computer system, which includes hardware and software, are working correctly. They are involved in trouble-shooting issues that users are experiencing and handling alerts from automated network monitoring. As experts in computer systems, they often are called up to make recommendations for improvements and upgrades as well as maintaining system and network security.
Summary
- Most employers prefer that job applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related major. Some may hire individuals who hold certification and who have relevant work experience.
- Advancements in computer networking technology will increasingly allow this work to be carried out remotely.
- Many of these workers began their careers as computer support specialists and later advanced to become network and computer systems administrators.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this field is expected to grow much faster than the average due to increasing demands for computer networking technology.
Work Environment for Network and Computer Systems Administrators
They usually work in comfortable, well-lit offices or laboratories that house computers and work 40 hours per week. The BLS reports that in 2008, 15% of network and system administrators worked over 50 hours per week. As networking technology capabilities expand, many of them will be able to carry out their work remotely, reducing travel to client sites. Although physical injuries are not as common to this profession – similar to workers who spend long amounts of time sitting in front of computer monitors and who continuously type – computer network and system administrators can be at risk for back pain, eyestrain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Education, Training and Licensing
Most employers require that job applicants possess a bachelor’s degree when hiring, however, some will accept applicants who hold an associate’s degree, certification and relevant work experience. Many network and computer systems administrators began their careers as computer support specialists. Bachelor’s degree concentrations include computer and information science as well as management information systems (MIS). A degree in another area may also be sufficient provided that an individual has taken computer courses and has experience. Most computer-related bachelor degree programs take four years to finish. Coursework usually includes mathematics, computer programming, computer science and computer engineering. An MIS degree program is typically connected to a college or business school, and includes coursework in management, accounting, finance, marketing, networking, systems design, system security and database management.
Those who hold a certification with a specific type of software, hardware or technology often have more job opportunities. These certification programs are available through vendors, training schools and associations. Certifications are viewed by many employers as the industry standard and may be required for their employees. In certain situations, job seekers who don’t possess a degree or formal education can obtain employment by having certification combined with relevant work experience.
Employment Figures, Projections, Outlook and Earnings for Network and Computer Systems Administrators
According to research published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), network and computer systems administrators held approximately 338,890 jobs in May 2009. Most of these jobs were for computer systems design and related services, management of companies and enterprises and wired telecommunications carriers. Other jobs were in colleges, universities, professional schools, and elementary and secondary schools.
Employment in this field is forecasted by the BLS to grow much faster than the average compared to other occupations. Since computer networks have become an essential part of business operations, demand for these workers will increase as companies invest in new technologies.
BLS records for May 2009 indicate that the average annual wage for network and computer system administrators was $70,930. The middle 50% earned between $52,940 and $85,830. While the lowest 10% had a yearly salary of $41,940 or less, the highest 10% earned upwards of $105,970 annually.