System Administrator Job Description, Skills and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a system administrator. Feel free to use our system administrator job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a system administrator.
Who is a System Administrator?
System administrators also called SysAdmins are professionals responsible for maintaining the network, file servers, mail servers, and other IT-related infrastructure. A system administrator is responsible for providing reliable work environments, especially where multi-user computers are connected to the LAN network.
The requirements for a System Administrator include a deep understanding of computer software, hardware, networks, and other technical aspects. The IT System Administrator is responsible for designing, organizing, managing, and supporting the company’s computer systems. These professionals are responsible for maintaining and upgrading the hardware and software. These administrators should be able to manage issues related to Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks.
Every task performed by a system administrator in an organization requires an uninterrupted internet connection. Mail servers must be working properly to ensure that work emails can be sent and received. The file server, in the same way, is a hub that stores and manages data. It also supports data usage by computers on the same network.
The main task of the System Administrators is to monitor and maintain the system. The professional usually takes care of active directory administration and new account setup. They monitor server performance and design computer systems. They also run reports about system performance.
This professional will work with the firewall administrator to provide technical support. They will be responsible for staffing, user credentials, frameworks, and other administrative tasks. They ensure that systems are secure and free from viruses or breaches.
These details prove that system administrators can be extremely valuable to businesses. Businesses can sign up for Field engineers to access the global marketplace of engineers and administrators. Instead of spending time, money, and effort searching for an IT system administrator, you can choose from more than 40,000 engineers around the globe.
System Administrator Job Description
Below are the system administrator job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a system administrator job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Configuring and maintaining servers and networks.
- Monitoring system performance and troubleshooting problems;
- Following the release of new software and upgrading the system.
- Sustaining network integrity and server deployment;
- Monitoring and maintaining network servers such as file servers and VPN gateways
- Production through high-quality security and efficiency
- Installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting workstations, servers, and OSs.
- Setting up user accounts and granting permissions
- Implementing anti-virus mechanisms
- Setting up system-wide software
- Creating backup and retrieval policy and assigning bulk storage
- Monitoring network communication
- Implementing computer, network, and security policies to the system and network users
- Planning strategically for system and service outages
- Managing projects that are system-related
- Troubleshooting, diagnosis, resolution, and documentation of network and server problems
- Maintaining and creating system records and documents, including user procedures.
- Connecting computers with Wide Area Networks and Local Area Networks
- Providing technical support for employees, such as configuring new user account and installing software.
- Accessing control and administrative privileges
- Informing employees about system upgrades or changes
- Instructing employees on how to use new hardware or software
- Replacing damaged hard drives
- Backing up network data regularly
- Monitoring the performance of your network, its security, and capacity.
Other important tasks include:
- Configuring and managing the company’s infrastructure.
This includes the software, hardware, and operating system required to support your users. It is the responsibility of SysAdmin to make sure that servers are always running smoothly and to update and install any necessary software.
- Administrating user access to systems and data
As a system administrator, you will manage all user permissions and admins. You will manage user logins, single-sign-on (SSO) policies, as well as ensure compliance with company security requirements.
- Doing daily security backups, and performing restores
System administrators are responsible for the security of company data and infrastructure. They must ensure security backups are performed daily in the event of an application or server failure. You will need to fix it so that customers don’t have negative experiences.
- Monitoring and managing all alerting across the company’s applications and infrastructure
The SysAdmin will monitor network metrics like CPU, DNS, latency, and usage to detect and respond quickly to incidents when they occur,
- Problem solving and troubleshooting
This is SysAdmin’s main responsibility. It will take a large part of the job to resolve issues and find solutions that ensure security within the company. SysAdmins will need to be able to quickly learn new skills as they deal with new challenges.
Qualifications
System administrators don’t need formal qualifications. They may be able to get some jobs if they have qualifications. However, there aren’t usually any set requirements. While training is important, some training may take place on the job after you secure employment. These qualifications are for system administrators:
Education
Most system administrators go for vocational qualifications or undergraduate degrees. These courses help students set up networks and keep them secure. They also provide support for users. The following are common educational qualifications for system administrators
- Diploma of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Business Information Systems
Training
System administrators learn technology from their employers through on-the-job training. Although some companies are looking for entry-level system administrators to work in their systems, others prefer someone with paid tech experience. You can gain this experience by becoming a technical support specialist or help desk technician. It may be easier to get a job as a system administrator if you have worked in one of these positions for more than three years.
Certifications
Employers may find system administrators with multiple certifications more appealing. Several industry-recognized training organizations offer certifications that specialize in different operating systems. Australian Computer Society (ACS), which is a recognized certification body, also offers ACS Certified Professional and ACS Certified Technologist. Many people join ACS while studying, and then go on to become ACS Certified Professionals after they graduate.
Essential Skills
- Cloud computing
Cloud technology is gaining popularity. It allows users to remotely access information from a computer or network. Because staff can collaborate from anywhere, they can access important files remotely, and also create backups of important documents. A systems administrator must know how to access a cloud network and troubleshoot issues.
- Communication
As a system administrator, communication is essential. It doesn’t matter if you’re communicating with technical staff members or employees from another department that are experiencing network access problems, it is important to communicate clearly with them. This is especially important when you need to relay technical information to staff members who are not familiar with modern technology. To give instructions and create reports for colleagues, it is important to have both verbal as well as written communication skills.
- Decision-making
Many companies rely on the network system for their daily operations. Network disruptions can have serious consequences. A systems administrator must assess the situation and identify possible solutions to solve the problem.
- Digital security
Systems administrators are required to protect the company’s network from outsiders. They must also know how to prevent them from accessing files or devices that may be connected. This professional can monitor and improve digital security by having a detailed knowledge of the main technological elements used by the company.
- Hardware
You must be able to manage all pieces of technology within a company as a system administrator. This includes hardware that is required to maintain and manage the company’s network as well as the computers and devices used by employees to communicate with it. The systems administrator is responsible for creating protocols to reduce the chance of errors in hardware and overseeing any repairs.
- Leadership
Systems administrators are often in a senior or mid-level position. It is important to have the ability to lead and maximize others’ talents. Leadership skills make it easier to set up new policies for network devices. They can also help with teaching staff how to access files and use devices.
- Network systems
A skilled systems administrator must be proficient in all aspects of network management. This includes the actual wiring of servers and computers, as well as performing routine diagnostics and fixing any problems that may be found in the network.
- Programming and Coding
In-depth knowledge of programming languages and computer programming is essential for a systems administrator. A systems administrator can use scripting and coding to debug network problems when they arise. Systems administrators may also be proficient in coding to create scripts that automate daily operations.
- SQL
Structured query language (SQL), which is the most commonly used database management language, is a crucial technical skill that systems administrators must-have. A systems administrator can use SQL to manage company databases and to provide help or delegate to staff when they have problems accessing them.
- Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting is the process of identifying the problem and addressing it. A systems administrator will perform small tests to ensure that the network is functioning properly. Any failures can be used to reduce the number of possible causes. A system administrator may have the ability to solve technical problems, be familiar with the system, identify common errors and use creative thinking to find new solutions.
How to Become a System Administrator
Step 1: Get a degree
It is possible to sigh and say, “Higher education in IT is obsolete!” However, it isn’t. Employers will accept applications for system administrator positions only if applicants have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or electronic engineering with three to five years of experience. You will learn the basics of programming languages and the features of various operating systems. Internships offered by your school are a great way to build a professional network and make you more appealing to employers when you’re done with school.
Technology changes faster than books, so it is important to keep learning about the system administration path. It is important to make it a habit of learning about new trends in the field. For example, which operating systems and apps are more popular, which new methods are available for software and hardware troubleshooting, and what security threats are emerging.
Step 2: Take additional courses to become system administrators.
We recommend IT certifications to enhance your qualifications and skills. This can be done either in college or after graduation. Although these certifications are not required, employers will often consider them an additional reason to review your application. Relevant certificates will help you not only improve your computer skills but also give you more options and increase your chances of landing a job.
Step 3: Develop strong interpersonal skills.
How do you become a system administrator? This requires more than just technical knowledge of Windows and Linux environments. It also requires the ability to master tasks such as backups. Interpersonal skills are equally important.
You must be able to work under pressure while remaining calm, as the system administrator is the first point for contact when network problems occur. You must also be able to manage time well, have good judgment, and resolve issues efficiently and quickly.
Communication skills are essential as you will have to communicate with employees and share your ideas. A good system administrator can communicate complex information to non-IT personnel. To make a message more memorable, you can turn a complex or important message into an engaging story.
Step 4: Apply for a job
You should first gain entry-level experience through internships and part-time jobs before applying for full-time positions. To understand how the theory works in practice, you can assume a junior role in a desktop or tech support helpdesk position. The best training comes from real-world experience.
After you have honed your skills, you can apply for a position as a system administrator/network administrator. These roles often overlap. Employers often require at least three years of experience. However, you may be able to add your internships and education towards this number. Use your contacts in the field to find a job. Search for jobs through LinkedIn, Monster, or Indeed. You should target jobs that are relevant to your skills and salary requirements. Highlight any certifications or OS knowledge you have in your resume.
Step 5: Continue to refresh your knowledge.
Your journey is not finished once you are working and no longer need to Google “How to become a system administrator. It’s not over. Technology changes very quickly. You might consider joining a professional network such as the League of Professional Systems Administrators. This organization’s goal is to educate the public and practitioners about system administration. LOPSA offers great networking and educational opportunities through its online events. They also share useful information through Slack, their RSS feeds, and mailing lists.
Where to Work
Computer system administrators work in many settings, even though they are often employed by companies in the computer design and related services sector. Others might manage networks and systems for financial companies, while others may work in hospitals and local government offices.
System Administrator Salary Scale
Systems administrators in the US earn an average annual salary of $87,070. This is equivalent to an average hourly salary of $41.86. The majority of system administrators earn between $64,010 and $104,970. Salary potential depends on education, experience, location, industry, and other factors.
