Network Administrator Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Are you searching for a network administrator job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a network administrator. Feel free to use our network administrator job description template to produce your own network administrator job description. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a network administrator.
Who is a Network Administrator?
A network administrator is an IT specialist who makes sure that a company’s computer networks—groups of computers that exchange information with one another—are functional and meet the demands of the company.
Network Administrator Job Description
What is a network administrator job description? A network administrator job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a network administrator in an organization. Below are the network administrator job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a network administrator job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties of network administrators are extensive and might include:
- Keep an eye on server performance to make sure it stays within reasonable bounds.
- Keep up with rising demand, install additional servers, and upgrade old ones as necessary.
- Keep track of the hardware and software assets currently in use by the network of the company, including computers, monitors, routers, switches, printers, scanners, and phones.
- Plan, design, implement and manage computer networks, including workstations, servers, routers, and firewalls.
- Evaluate new technologies and make suggestions for how to incorporate them into current networks.
- Coordinate with software developers to make sure that new applications are compatible with current systems.
- Install and upgrade servers’ and workstations’ operating systems, programs, and security updates.
- Create and maintain network diagrams to portray a network’s structure and individual components visually.
- Undertake regular maintenance on both hardware and software to guarantee optimal performance.
- Analyze the computer networks and system requirements for a business or organization.
Qualifications
The following credentials are normally required for a network administrator:
Education: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a closely related discipline is often needed for network administrators. Some businesses will consider individuals with an associate’s degree or appropriate job experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
Experience and training: After being hired, network administrators often undergo on-the-job training. During this training, which could span a few weeks to a month, students might observe experienced network administrators in action and carry out tasks under close supervision until they feel confident enough to operate independently.
Licenses and certificates: Network administrators are frequently required by employers to hold certifications for the equipment they use.
Essential Skills
To succeed, network managers require the following abilities:
Technical expertise: Technical skills are those that pertain to the technology you use at work, such as an understanding of networking, hardware, and software. As a network administrator, you must know how to use the technology and how to fix it when it malfunctions. Having this expertise is crucial.
Outstanding problem-solving skills: Network administrators are in charge of keeping their company’s network secured and making sure that all of the systems are operating as intended. They frequently have to come up with novel approaches to solve issues and go over them.
Good communication skills: Communication skills are crucial for working collaboratively with others because network administrators frequently collaborate with other IT professionals in teams. Clear communication with clients and other staff members is also necessary. Speaking, listening intently, and giving feedback are all aspects of effective communication.
Customer service: Because they frequently engage with clients to resolve technical issues, network administrators need to have strong customer service abilities. They must be able to grasp the needs of their clients and communicate technical ideas in a way that the client can comprehend. When working with coworkers, network administrators also exercise their customer service abilities because they may be required to respond to inquiries or mediate disputes.
Switching: The capacity to switch between tasks rapidly and effectively is known as switching. You might have to move between tasks multiple times throughout the day as a network administrator. For instance, you might get a notification that another server has had a problem while you’re working on updating the software for one of your company’s servers. After switching gears to address the problem, you go back to the original work.
Skills for troubleshooting: The process of locating and fixing problems with computer systems is known as troubleshooting. As a network administrator, you can be in charge of troubleshooting any technical issues that develop in the IT system of your business. To guarantee the efficient running of your organization’s technology, troubleshooting abilities are required.
DHCP: The management and upkeep of an organization’s computer system is a common requirement of a network administrator’s position. As a result, they must understand how to provide each device with a special IP address, which is a computer’s equivalent to a physical address. The significance of a DHCP server, which automatically allocates IP addresses when new devices connect to the network, is another thing a network administrator needs to be aware of.
Firewalls: Hardware or software firewalls can prevent unauthorized users from accessing a network. They can be used to shield data from malware and hackers as well as stop viruses from circulating online. A network’s incoming and outgoing traffic can be monitored by firewalls to ensure its security. Any IT professional who works with computers and networks must be familiar with firewalls.
Routing: The process of directing data through a network is called “routing.” Network administrators must comprehend how routing functions to troubleshoot problems and guarantee the security of their networks. On the internet, traffic is routed using routing protocols such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). Network administrators can configure these protocols effectively and keep an eye out for any problems by being aware of how they operate.
Analytical Skills: The capacity to evaluate facts and information, spot trends and patterns, and draw logical conclusions are all examples of analytical talents. As a network administrator, you might be required to analyze data from multiple sources to troubleshoot problems with computer networks or systems. For instance, you might look over the system logs, assess the hardware, and study any error messages produced if an application isn’t functioning properly.
Keen Attention to Detail: Any problems that develop in their systems must be able to be found and fixed by network administrators. This necessitates attention to detail, which entails being able to detect minute adjustments or alterations in the behavior of your network. For instance, if a server is operating slowly, you must be able to identify the issue promptly so that you may address it before it causes further harm.
IP Addressing: The specific identification of a computer or other device on a network is known as IP addressing. To successfully configure and troubleshoot networks, network managers must have a working knowledge of IP addresses. They can also explain IP addressing to others, such as business owners who wish their company to have a private network, if they know of it.
Ability to solve problems: Network administrators need problem-solving abilities to locate and fix technological problems. When debugging computer hardware, software, or networking systems, they employ these talents. To do this, they must first assess a scenario, come up with solutions, and then assess how well those solutions worked. They must also share information about potential issues with other IT experts so they can work together to develop solutions.
VPN: Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are computer programs that let you connect remotely to a private network. They can be utilized for data security and remote management. Your internet traffic is encrypted by VPNs to prevent reading while in transit. This is crucial when using the internet to obtain sensitive information.
Organizing abilities: You must be able to keep track of the numerous duties and projects you manage as a network administrator. Your organization’s IT infrastructure may be being worked on by several different teams, so it’s critical to understand how each team is doing and what efforts they’ve made to ensure good communication.
Network Security: The security of a company’s network is the responsibility of the network administrators. To defend against hackers, they employ their understanding of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security measures. You may develop plans to protect your firm from cyber dangers with the support of strong network security abilities. Employee education on safe internet practices and what to do in the event of a security breach can also be necessary.
DNS: A database called DNS, or domain name system, converts website addresses into IP addresses. Network administrators must comprehend how DNS functions to troubleshoot DNS issues and implement adjustments as needed. The DNS records may need to be updated, for instance, if a website administrator wants to modify the URL of the company’s website.
TCP/IP: A group of protocols known as TCP/IP enables computer communication across the internet. Network administrators must comprehend TCP/operation IPs to troubleshoot and resolve TCP/IP-related problems. Additionally, they must comprehend TCP/fundamental IP’s workings to configure the company’s internal network utilizing TCP/IP.
Wireless Networks: Network administrators must be proficient in wireless networking since it enables them to connect computers and other devices to the internet. They must understand how to set up wireless networks so that their clients may obtain the data they require. They must also be able to resolve any problems that may develop with these networks in the future.
Ability to work independently: In your role as a network administrator, you might have to spend a lot of time working alone. This is due to the possibility that you are the only employee in your organization with the ability to manage the network. You can fulfill your obligations and take care of your responsibilities without aid if you can work independently.
How to Become a Network Administrator
A mix of education and experience is often required to become a network administrator and they are explained as follows:
- Decide on a focus: As a network administrator, you have a variety of technical specialties from which to choose. Your possibilities include, among others:
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- System Security
- Systems analysis
- Data analysis
- Software development
By concentrating on one of these areas, you may develop your skills as a network administrator and enhance your CV by demonstrating that you know a particular field. The decisions you make as you start your career, such as the courses you take and the types of internships you apply for, might be influenced by the specialty you choose to concentrate on. Although choosing a focus is not required, it might aid you throughout your career.
- Complete a bachelor’s program: Some employers stipulate that applicants for network administrator positions must have at least an associate degree. Nevertheless, the majority of businesses favor applicants with a bachelor’s degree in network administration or a closely related discipline. Consider additional information systems and technology degrees that fit the area of study you want to concentrate on. For instance, if systems analysis is your chosen area of employment, you can major in it. The following are typical majors for network administrators:
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- Network Administration
- Software engineering
- Computer science
- Network management
- Information technology
- Finish your internship: The best approach to obtaining practical experience for your job is through internships. You can gain more knowledge about information systems and technology while you work by doing an internship. The experience portion of your resume can be strengthened by an internship while you are still in school, which will help you after you graduate and start looking for employment. Some internships can present prospects for long-term employment.
Asking questions about the profession and how to carry out specific tasks will help you learn from your coworkers throughout your internship. You can do this to enhance the abilities necessary for career success.
- Gain on-the-job training: Even without prior expertise, a network administrator can be employed. The majority of businesses, however, prefer candidates with prior expertise in the technology sector. You can gain the experience that many employers desire by securing an entry-level position in an IT department. It also gives you a chance to ask your coworkers questions about their careers.
If you are in an entry-level role, think about asking your boss to allow you to be the project leader. You can add this to your resume to show that you have leadership experience. Additionally, it can demonstrate to your managers that you have ambition, which might increase your chances of getting a promotion.
5. Create a network: You can learn new skills and insider information about your profession by developing a network of information systems specialists. Professionals in your network can also assist you in locating career prospects and provide you with application-related guidance. To expand your network, look online for networking groups that specialize in information technology or professional growth. You may also be able to locate a mentor through your network. You may have the chance to gain knowledge directly from an accomplished information systems specialist as a result. The advantages of developing a relationship with a mentor include:
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- Helping you review your work and identify areas of improvement
- Using their network to find more employment opportunities
- Helping you get interviews with their colleagues
- Offering advice and feedback when you have career questions.
Where to Work as a Network Administrator
Most of the time, network administrators are employed in an office setting. However, there are many different institutions and businesses where you might work as a network administrator. The following are some typical work settings for network administrators:
- Schools and colleges
- Hospital or other types of healthcare facility.
- Government institutions
- Corporate buildings
- Finance companies
- Insurance businesses
During ordinary business hours, network administrators typically operate in an office setting, though they may be available round-the-clock to handle crises involving the network. To fulfill deadlines or tackle challenging tasks, they might put in more than 40 hours per week. Some network managers make numerous trips to install or repair network equipment.
Network Administrator Salary Scale
In the United States, the average network administrator’s gross wage is $92,343, which equates to $44 per hour. Additionally, they receive a $3,684 bonus on average. It is based on pay survey data obtained from anonymous employees and employers in the United States. An entry-level network administrator makes an average salary of $65,102 with 1-3 years of experience. The average compensation for a senior-level network administrator (8+ years of experience) is $114,516.
In London, England, the average gross pay for network administrators is £86,474, or £42 per hour. This is £27,702 (+47%) more than the typical network administrator’s income in the UK. They also receive an average bonus of £3,632. Wage projections are based on anonymous employee and employer responses to a salary survey conducted in London, England. A network administrator with 1-3 years of experience at entry level makes, on average, £60,701. The average pay for senior-level network administrators (8+ years of experience) is £107,326.
In Canada, the typical network administrator’s gross pay is $115,083, which equates to a $55 hourly wage. Additionally, they receive a $4,833 bonus on average. Compensation estimates are based on data from anonymous Canadian employees and employers via salary surveys. An entry-level network administrator makes an average salary of $80,783 with 1-3 years of experience. The average pay for a senior-level network administrator (8+ years of experience) is $142,833.
In Australia, the average network administrator earns a gross annual pay of $120,413 or $58 per hour. Additionally, they receive a $4,419 bonus on average. Wage estimates are based on data from anonymous Australian employees and employers via salary surveys. An entry-level network administrator makes an average salary of $85,397 with 1–3 years of experience. The average compensation for a senior-level network administrator (8+ years of experience) is $149,446.
Irish network administrators make an average gross compensation of €65,016 per year, or €31 per hour. Additionally, they receive a bonus of €2,594 on average. Wage projections are based on anonymous employee and employer responses to a salary survey conducted in Ireland. The typical compensation for a network administrator at entry level (with 1-3 years of experience) is €45,849. The average income for a senior-level network administrator (8+ years of experience) is €80,650.
In Germany, the average network administrator makes 79.048 euros per year in gross wages, or 38 euros per hour. Additionally, they receive a bonus that is typically €2.901. Wage projections are based on anonymous employee and employer responses to a salary survey conducted in Germany. A network administrator with 1-3 years of experience makes, on average, €55.970 a month. The average pay for a senior-level network administrator (8+ years of experience) is €97.948.
In Nigeria, the average monthly salary for a network administrator is roughly 296,000 NGN. The lowest salary is 148,000 NGN, and the highest is 459,000 NGN (the highest).
