System Administrator Job Description
Interested in learning how to become a network and computer systems administrator? A system administrator, also called a network and computer systems administrator or a sysadmin, is responsible for ensuring that an organization's networks can effectively and efficiently handle the daily operations of the organization. System administrators usually work full-time and may work in a variety of settings, as most industries need system administrators to manage their computer and network systems. The need for this kind of work is also growing as more and more industries turn to digital systems to store their data. These professionals are primarily responsible for organizing and supporting an organization's computer systems, such as wide area networks (WANs), data communication systems, and network segments. Other sysadmin requirements and job duties may include:
- Optimizing system performance
- Installing the necessary hardware/software to meet an organization's needs
- Upgrading or repairing systems as needed
- Securing network and computer systems from hackers
- Teaching users how to properly use hardware/software
- Responding to alerts that there is an issue with a system
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System Administrator Requirements
| Degree Required | Certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree |
| Field of Study | Computer science, information science, or related field |
| Experience | 3 to 5 years of work experience |
| Certifications | OLSA, RHCA, CompTIA, and more |
How to Become a System Administrator
Systems administrators usually need a bachelor's degree in a field like computer science and a minimum of three years of work experience in order to be qualified to work in their field. They may pursue optional certification in their field. System administrator required training can be fairly extensive, as this job is in high demand and is extremely necessary for a number of different industries. Read more to find out about the details of these requirements below.
Step 1: Earn a System Administrator Degree
System administrator education requirements are not set in stone but may be variable depending on the employer, the amount of work experience an individual has, and other salient factors. Some system administrators may only need a postsecondary certificate or associate's degree, but most of these professionals need at least a bachelor's degree in a field like computer or information science. There are several bachelor's degree programs available specifically in system administration. Typically, these degree programs award a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree and may go by names like network and system administration or computer network and system administration. Some of these computer system administrator education requirements may be available online and students may take courses in topics like:
- Database management
- Network security engineering
- Project management
- Networking administration
- Operating system administration
- Web server administration
Some of these degree programs may offer additional areas of concentration, such as systems and network security, network and systems engineering, or network and systems administration. Most of these degree programs include experiential learning experiences through projects and/or internships. These degrees may have somewhat different titles; for instance, you might get an IT administrator degree.
Step 2: Get Work Experience
The next step in learning how to be a system administrator is to get as much work experience as possible. When you are pursuing employment, keep in mind that most employers expect three to five years of experience working in system administration at some level in order to obtain a higher level position. If you are not yet prepared for full employment, you can gain your experience through freelance, volunteer, or self-directed work. You might also look into internships and other opportunities in order to learn the skills that you need.
Step 3: Gather Certifications
Although it depends on the position, many employers want their system administrators to be certified in the particular products that they use. Sysadmin certifications are usually offered through the vendor and some other certification providers. Oracle offers the Oracle Linux System Administrator (OLSA), Red Hat has the RHCA, and aspiring systems administrators can get the Server+ designation from CompTIA. There are other certification options available too, so look into various options that might be helpful for your particular needs.
Step 4: Earn an Optional Master's Degree
A master's degree is not usually required, but some employers may require or prefer candidates who have a master's degree in the field. Typically offered as a Master of Science (MS) degree, students can pursue master's programs in computer networking, networking and systems administration, or information technology. Some of these programs are available in online formats.
Step 5: Advance Your Career
Usually, after gaining a few years of work experience, some system administrators may advance to other positions, such as computer network architects. Those interested in supervisory positions may consider becoming computer and IT managers.
System Administrator Salary
In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for network and computer systems administrators was $83,510. The BLS also stated that median salaries for these professionals varied across industries. For example, those administrators working in the oil and gas extraction industry made a mean salary of $115,290 in 2019, while those in colleges, universities, and professional schools made a median salary of $79,700 the same year. Professionals in this job field can expect around 4% growth between 2019 and 2029, which is on par with the national average for all jobs in the U.S.
