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: 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
Median pay
$99,130
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$62,640 – $155,050
People employed
314,340
Holland code
CRI
Conventional · Realistic · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Tight deadlines are common
Network and Computer Systems Administrators pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators salary in every state →
What network and computer systems administrators do
- 01Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
- 02Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
- 03Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
- 04Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
- 05Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
- 06Confer with network users about solutions to existing system problems.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from network and computer systems administrators
- Computer Hardware Engineers63% · +63%
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians62% · −21%
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists61% · group pay
- Robotics Engineers61% · group pay
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers61% · +8%
Change into network and computer systems administrators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Broadcast Technicians68% · $59,570
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians68% · $78,190
- Robotics Engineers63% · $122,930
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers62% · $68,120
Majors that lead here
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Network and System Administration/Administrator
- Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.