Becoming a Network Administrator

The network administrator, also referred to as systems administrator or network engineer, is the backbone of any organization with a computer network. Network administrators are essentially the network equivalent of system administrators, as they maintain the hardware and software that comprises the entire computer network. This includes installing, deploying, maintaining and monitoring active network equipment; implementing security systems; and assigning network addresses and routing protocols, among many other tasks.

Education, Training & Degrees for Network Administrators

Network administration positions form a hierarchy from junior to senior, with different amounts of training, education and experience required to qualify for each level. In general, a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions as a Junior Technical Architect.

Most employers prefer their network administrators to possess extensive technical knowledge and experience. To qualify as a Full Working Technical Architect, the next step up the network administrator career ladder, for instance, most employers look for three to five years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in addition to at least a bachelor's degree.

Employment requirements for the next step, Intermediate Technical Architect, include a minimum of five years experience as well as the degree. And to qualify as a Senior Technical Architect requires a minimum of six to eight years experience. Most managerial positions in this field also require at least a bachelor's degree. And as with most professions, the more advanced the degree, the more positions the holder can qualify for, the higher one can rise, and the higher the salary one can command.

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Job Responsibilities and Desired Skills in Network Administration

The central effort the network administrator is to ensure that an organizations computers and systems are running, stable, and functional at all times. In general, network administrators oversee or participate in the assembly, installation, testing and maintenance of computer networks, including LAN, WAN, network segment, and Internet connectivity. They design and configure networking systems, diagnose network problems and troubleshoot hardware and software, monitor system performance, ensure that the systems are secure and safe from viruses, perform disaster recovery operations in critical situations, and evaluate and recommend new technologies. They may also provide technical support, perform data recovery, handle license management, and conduct training sessions.

As a technical architect, the network administrator is required to work in a variety of settings and projects, which require both technical and interpersonal skills. Character traits desirable in a network administrator include critical and logical thinking, and good problem-solving and communication skills. Patience always helps when dealing with either people or complicated electronic machinery.

Network Administrator Salary Range and Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 40,000 individuals were employed as network administrators in 2004. The Department projects that job opportunities for network administrators and system administrators will grow much faster than most other careers well into the next decade. In fact, network administration is designated as one of the fastest-growing positions within the hi-tech field.

Statistics released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that the average annual salary for network administrators and systems administrators in 2004 was approximately $64,000.

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