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Home > Find a College > Majors & Careers Central > Profiles > Career: Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Career: Network and Computer Systems Administrators

At every office -- whether business, nonprofit, or government agency -- the story's the same: work can grind to a halt when something goes wrong with the computer system. That's reason enough to keep hundreds of thousands of professionals busy making sure that those systems continue to run at their best. Network and computer system administrators, sometimes called network technicians, monitor networks and adjust their performance as needed.

Network and computer systems administrators install, configure (set up to work in a particular way), support, and repair computer systems for businesses and other organizations.

Did You Know?

  • Some systems administrators specialize in computer security, protecting systems and data from cyber attacks.

Are You Ready To...?

  • Maintain both hardware and software
  • Get hands-on experience with routers, switches, hubs, and other networking equipment
  • Keep networks and systems safe from cybercrime
  • Set up printer servers
  • Help set up workstations
  • Train users
  • Troubleshoot problems
  • Work overtime during technical emergencies
  • Spend some evenings and weekends on call
  • Keep up with constantly evolving technology through continuing education

It Helps to Be...

A strong communicator who loves to analyze and solve problems.

Make High School Count

  • Consider taking AP® Computer Science A or Computer Science AB.
  • Look into computer summer camps.
  • Compete in one of the ACM High School Programming Contests if you're a seasoned programmer.
  • Take as much math as your high school offers.
  • Make the most of your science classes. They train you to think logically.
  • Build communication skills in debate, drama, and speech and English classes.

Did You Know?

  • You don't have to choose a computer major to become a systems administrator.

Outlook

Government economists expect jobs for network and computer systems administrators to grow much faster than the average for all careers through 2016. Businesses and other organizations should continue to invest in new technology as ecommerce grows. Computer security specialists should also be in demand as organizations make protecting their technology and data a high priority.

However, some jobs will probably be given to people who live in countries other than the United States and work for lower salaries. This offshoring is possible because new technology makes it easier to manage computer systems remotely.

Compensation

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, network and computer systems administrators earned an average yearly salary of $69,570 in 2008.