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Network Administrator Career Guide
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Job Description

What Is a Network Administrator?

A network administrator is an IT professional who maintains an organization’s computer networks, ensuring systems run smoothly so users can reliably access digital resources and complete daily work.

IT students work together in a server room, with two individuals looking at a clipboard in front of rows of computer equipment.
Role

What Does a Network Administrator Do?

Network administrators keep an organization’s networks running efficiently and securely. They install and manage systems, troubleshoot issues and help protect data so employees can stay connected and productive.

A network administrator's day-to-day tasks typically include:

Install and train

Network administrators set up network systems and guide users on best practices for using networks, devices and software effectively.

Maintain and repair

They monitor performance, troubleshoot issues and perform upgrades to keep networks operating smoothly.

Secure

Network administrators help protect systems by implementing security measures and responding to potential cyber threats.

Outlook

Is Network Administration a Good Career?

A group of people gathered around a computer work together while looking at a screen in a professional office or tech workspace.

Network administration can be a strong career choice for those interested in technology. Organizations across nearly every industry rely on network and computer systems administrators to install, maintain and support their systems.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 14,300 job openings for network and computer systems administrators are projected each year from 2024 to 2034,(See disclaimer 1) with a median annual wage of $96,800 as of May 2024.(See disclaimer 2) Additionaly, the computer systems design and related services industry contributed $489.2 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, underscoring the significant role technology careers play across industries.(See disclaimer 3)

Jobs
14,300

Projected job openings for network and computer system administrators each year from 2024 through 2034(See disclaimer 1)

Salary
$96,800

Median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators as of May 2024(See disclaimer 2)

Growth
$489.2 Billion

Value added to the U.S. economy by the computer systems and design-related services industry in 2023(See disclaimer 3)

Workplace

What Industries Do Network Administrators Work In?

Since organizations in all types of industries require functioning computer networks and devices, network administrators can work across a range of industries and sectors, including private businesses, government agencies and academia.4 Each type of organization may have slightly different IT needs, but the overall responsibilities of a network administrator will generally be consistent.

A career as a network and computer systems administrator may lead to work in the following industries:(See disclaimer 4)

Technology Companies

Network administrators often work for computer systems design firms, faculty and staff.

Academia

IT professionals maintain the complex computer networks of colleges and universities, meeting the needs of students, faculty and staff.

Government

Government agencies and the various branches of the military turn to IT professionals to keep their computer systems running smoothly.

Manufacturing

Network administrators manage the digital infrastructure that facilitates large-scale farming, such as sensors and irrigation equipment.

Healthcare

Hospitals and healthcare organizations require secure, reliable networks to manage patient data and critical systems.

Finance and corporate organizations

Businesses and financial institutions depend on network administrators to maintain secure communications and daily operations.

A network administrator sits in a server room, using a laptop beside rows of network and computer equipment.
Career Path

How To Become a Network Administrator

According to the BLS, most network administrator roles require a bachelor’s degree in a computer or information technology-related field.5 While there is no single path into the role, employers typically expect candidates to build relevant technical skills and may also value industry certifications and ongoing professional development.

Learning how to become a network administrator starts with these steps:(See disclaimer 5,6)

Earn a Degree

Earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as information technology.

Obtain Work Experience

Gain work experience in an entry-level IT role, such as a help desk technician.

Pursue Certifications

Obtain IT certifications from vendors or organizations in the industry.

Education

Network Administrator Education Requirements

High School Diploma

In high school, advanced math classes are recommended, as are electives in computer applications, computer science, computer programming and information technology. Consider pursuing internships, job shadowing and extracurricular activities aligned with your interest in information technology.(See disclaimer 7)

Students work at computers in a classroom, with an instructor assisting students at their screens.

Degrees for Aspiring Network Administrators

9 Matching Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity
Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Information Systems
Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems
Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Foundations
Skills

What Network Administrator Skills Do You Need?

According to Cisco, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly shifting the network administrator’s focus away from manual, device-by-device maintenance and toward policy-driven control, strategic planning and automation.(See disclaimer 8) Rather than replacing human roles, AI enhances them by analyzing large volumes of network telemetry to streamline operations and proactively resolve issues.(See disclaimer 8)

To excel in this AI-driven environment, network administrators need skills in network automation, data analysis, AI-assisted monitoring tools, cybersecurity, cloud networking and scripting languages such as Python.(See disclaimer 8) They must also be able to interpret AI-generated insights, troubleshoot complex systems and make informed decisions based on data.(See disclaimer 8)

By developing both technical and strategic skills, network administrators can leverage AI to improve network performance, strengthen security and support organizational goals.

As AI becomes more integrated into network management, these professionals must combine strong technical expertise with these soft skills:(See disclaimer 8)

Problem-solving skills

Troubleshoot technical issues and resolve network or system disruptions efficiently

Communication skills

Clearly explain technical concepts to users and team members without an IT background

Analytical skills

Evaluate network performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency

Multitasking skills

Manage multiple responsibilities, such as system updates while supporting users

Explore Your Options

Not sure if this is right for you? Discover other career paths and find the one that fits your goals.

Explore Careers in Technology
Career Fit

Is Network Administration Right for Me?

If you're interested in technology and enjoy solving problems, a career in network administration may be a good fit. Network administrators help keep an organization’s computer networks running smoothly by managing systems, troubleshooting issues and helping users stay connected.

Network administration could be right for you if you:

  • Enjoy working with computers and technology
  • Like identifying and solving technical problems
  • Pay attention to details and can stay organized
  • Communicate well with others when providing technical support
  • Are interested in how networks, servers and cybersecurity work
  • Enjoy learning new technologies and adapting to change
Information Technology (IT) Degrees
A network administrator stands with arms crossed in front of server racks inside a data center.

Explore More on Network Administration

Before making a decision about your intended career path, take a closer look at the world of network administration and related information technology options.

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Take the First Step Toward Network Administration

Organizations must rely on a robust digital infrastructure. Prepare for your future with an information technology degree at GCU.

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  1. COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Network and Computer Systems Administrators, retrieved May 2026.
  2. The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Network and Computer Systems Administrators, as of May 2024, retrieved May 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as network and computer systems administrators, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
  3. SelectUSA. (n.d.). Software and Information Technology Industry. U.S. Department of Commerce. Retrieved May 2026.
  4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Network and Computer Systems Administrator: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 2026.
  5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved May 2026.
  6. Coursera. (2025, Oct. 27). What Is a Network Administrator? A Career Guide. Retrieved May 2026.
  7. Illinois WorkNet Center. (n.d.). Computer Systems Administrators - Helpful High School Courses. Illinois Department of Employment Security. Retrieved May 2026.
  8. Iskander, K. (2025, March 6). Adaptability: The Must-Have Skill for Network Engineers in the AI Era. Cisco. Retrieved June 2026.

Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology on July 24, 2026.

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