OVERVIEW
What Is a Network Administrator?
Network administrators work with hardware, software, computer infrastructures, and entire information systems and ensure everything runs sm,oothly and as designed. Typical tasks include setting up and upgrading new networks, identifying problems as they arise, and coming up with practical solutions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Network Administrator Do?
Although most businesses use computers and need the help of a network administrator, each setting is different. In general, network administrators perform the following duties:
- Setting up new networks.
- Maintaining and upgrading existing computer networks, including hardware like VPNs and routers.
- Troubleshooting flaws in software, hardware configuration, communications equipment, and then fixing problems as they arise.
- Updating and configuring virus protection software and other programs to keep networks secure.
- Monitoring and maximizing network performance.
- Installing and configuring computer systems and network equipment, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and data communication systems.
- Communicating updates and problems to other employees, as well as those in management roles.
- Training new users.
- Preemptively determining an organization’s software and hardware needs.
- Evaluating network performance.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does a Network Administrator Need?
The education level required to enter the network administrator field varies by employer. However, most will require at least an associate’s degree in a computer-related discipline, along with relevant certifications. However, many employers require network admins to have a bachelor’s degree in information technology, network engineering and security, or a related area of study. In these areas of study, you will learn scripting and programming languages, Linux, cloud foundations, data management, web development, and more.
What Certifications Does a Network Administrator Need?
Not all network administrators need certifications, but some positions may require them. Certifications can be a great way to set yourself apart from competition for positions. Some of the best industry certifications that you can pursue for a network administrator role include:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Axelos ITIL®1 Foundation
- LPI Linux Essentials
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Amazon AWS SysOps Administration-Associate
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
Best Degrees for a Network Administrator
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,625 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Technology
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster...
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster pace with fewer courses.
- Time: Approximately 5 years.
- Tuition: $3,735 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $3,940 per term for the master's portion.
- Courses: 42 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- PMI CAPM
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.
Technology
Network Engineering and Security – B.S.
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks....
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 36 months.
- Tuition: $3,735 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 or 37 courses in this program depending on focus area
- Two focus areas: Students can choose between a Cisco or general program, allowing them to learn and gain experience in their chosen specialty.
Certifications:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Foundations
The Cisco program also includes:
- Cisco CCNA
- Cisco DevNet
- Cisco CyberOps
The general program also includes:
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist (Stacked)
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist (Stacked)
- CompTIA Cloud Admin Professional (Stacked)
- CompTIA Secure Cloud Professional (Stacked)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Network engineering
- Network operations
- Security management skills
This program will help you develop strong skills in network design, network operations, and security management.
Business
MBA Information Technology Management
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper...
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper management:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Management
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Communications
- Information Systems Security
Learn to navigate emergencies, execute strategies, and optimize systems with the competencies within this specialty MBA.
How Much Does a Network Administrator Make?
$90,520
According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics (BLS), network and computer systems administrators earn an average of $43.52 per hour, which works out to about $90,520 per year. How much a network administrator earns can be impacted by a wide variety of factors, including years of experience and location.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
4%
The BLS reports that between 2019 and 2029, the need for network and computer systems administrators is expected to grow by 4%, which is as fast as the average overall job growth for all occupations. As a result, about 16,000 new network administrator jobs will be made available during this time.
It’s common for server administrators to have cross-divisional experience in IT, which gives long-term security for future management positions like computer network architects and computer and information systems managers.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Network Administrator Need?
Network administrators need to have a broad skill set to perform their job. Below are some of the most common skills, although it’s certainly not an exhaustive list:
- Knowledge of computer networks: You’ll need to know how to set up and manage IPs, wireless modems and routers, cloud services, and cybersecurity, to name just a few.
- Coding: To work as a network administrator, you’ll need to have solid internet technology skills, including coding. Common languages include HTML, C++, PHP, Python, JavaScript, Java, and Ruby.
- Problem-solving: Network administrators are faced with frequent issues that need to be resolved promptly.
- Team-working and communication skills: Whether you’re facing problems or everything is running smoothly, you’ll frequently convey status updates and other information to people inside and outside of your team.
- Attention to detail: One wrong move can wreak havoc on a network, so you’ll need to pay close attention to details while you’re working.
- Time and project management: Network administrators often must juggle multiple projects and other tasks simultaneously. They also frequently work with internal and external (including digital) teams, and must adhere to different timelines to ensure everyone can effectively do their jobs.
Our Online University Degree Programs Start on the First of Every Month, All Year Long
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!
Next Start Date
{{startdate}}
Interested in Becoming a Network Administrator?
Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.
