Are you interested in a career that is both challenging and rewarding? Do you want to have a job that is in high demand and offers an excellent salary and job security? If so, you should consider becoming a Systems Administrator or Network Administrator. These two job positions are some of the most important in Information Technology.
MyComputerCareer is an accredited educational institution that will help you earn the necessary certifications to become a Network and/or Systems Administrator. We also provide you with Career Services to help you get a high-paying job as soon as you earn your appropriate certifications.
In this guide, we will discuss the roles and responsibilities of Systems Administrators and Network Administrators and how they differ from each other. We will also talk about the benefits of becoming a Systems or Network Administrator, such as salary and job security. Finally, we will provide tips on how to become a Systems Administrator or Network Administrator.
What Are The Differences and Similarities Between Network and System Administrators?
Network and Systems Administrators are two of the most sought-after job titles in the Information Technology (IT) field. Still, there is a lot of confusion about what these roles actually entail. Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks, installing and configuring network devices, and troubleshooting any issues.
On the other hand, systems administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems. This includes installing operating systems and software applications, creating user accounts, and configuring system settings. Systems Administrators also monitor system performance and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
The main difference is that Network Administrators are responsible for managing networks, while Systems Administrators are responsible for managing systems. Systems Administrators are also generally responsible for more tasks than Network Administrators, including installing and configuring software applications.
That being said, there are some similarities between these two job titles. Both Network and Systems Administrators need to be able to install and configure network devices and software applications. They also need to be able to troubleshoot problems when they arise. Additionally, both roles require a strong understanding of IT concepts and principles.
The Benefits of Becoming A Network Or Systems Administrator
There are several advantages to consider regarding Systems and Network Administrator employment. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant ones:
Great Job Security
Although many IT job openings tend to go unfilled, particularly for managers or senior-level positions, skilled administrators will always be in high demand. Administrators are required in every sector, so those who have the appropriate abilities and credentials will generally be secure in their employment.
In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, network and system administrators will see a 4 to 5 percent increase in employment during the 2020-2030 decade. This is considerably faster than the national average for all other occupations. As a result, if you’re searching for a job with high demand and great pay and prospects, becoming a systems administrator or network administrator may be the ideal career choice for you! These jobs offer excellent long-term employment prospects because businesses of all sizes constantly require skilled admins to maintain their IT systems functioning properly.
Attractive Salaries and Opportunities for Advancement
The annual pay for Network and Systems Administrators is quite high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical salary for a Network or Systems Administrator is around $84,810 per year or $40.77 per hour. However, there may be considerably more money available. While novices earn an average of $64,010 per year, university systems administrators make an average of $77,740 each year.
On average, federal executive branch system administrators make $102,990 per year. The median salary for oil and gas extraction businesses is $114,570. Maryland is the highest-paying state, with systems administrator salaries of $108,190 on average. Following those are Washington DC ($99,920) and New Jersey ($99,070).
Administrators who work as system or network managers might make a lot of money. There are many chances for advancement in this area. Administrators can advance to higher ranks with greater responsibility and pay by gaining expertise and certification.
High Demand for Skilled Professionals
The demand for competent Systems and Network Administrators will continue to rise as businesses increasingly rely on technology to function. In fact, according to CompTIA research, 82 percent of firms report having a gap in qualified IT professionals. This is why it’s critical to have the appropriate skills and certifications if you want to work in this field.
As a result, obtaining your Systems and/or Network Administrator certification will set you apart from the competition and make it easier for you to find employment in this area. Employers are always on the hunt for individuals who can get started quickly, and having certification will demonstrate that you have the abilities they are searching for.
Exciting Work Environment
Systems and network administrators frequently operate in dynamic, demanding situations. They may be in charge of a major corporation’s computing infrastructure or a small business’s network, with networks that span the world or just a few local computers. Administrators’ days are never the same, which keeps things interesting while also allowing for much growth in areas such as interpersonal skills.
It may not be easy at times, but it’s always gratifying when everything goes as planned and the systems operate exactly. If you’re seeking an interesting and challenging profession with good pay and career security, being a system or network administrator may be perfect for you! These jobs provide a lot of possibilities for professional development and advancement in a fast-paced field. Administrators frequently make good money and benefits. So, if you’re seeking a job with lots of potential and adventure, systems and network administration may be the ideal choice!
Numerous Career Paths
A career as a system or network administrator may take many paths. They might work in a corporate setting, a government agency, or an educational institution. Some could end up being self-employed consultants, while others may advance their careers by moving into other IT sectors such as systems engineering or software development. Those with the required skills and accreditation have plenty of options available to them.
Administrators who work remotely can save money on transportation and parking, as well as on food and housing. This is a fantastic career for people who want autonomy over their schedule and working environment. These opportunities are numerous for individuals seeking advancement in a dynamic field with rapid changes.
What Are The Job Roles and Responsibilities of a Network Administrator?
A Network Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a company’s network. They install and maintain network hardware and software and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. They also develop policies and procedures for using the network, and may be required to provide support to users.
They also need to have a working knowledge of:
- Network topologies
- Network protocols
- Routing and switching concepts
- LAN/WAN technologies
- Configuring and managing firewalls
- Managing VPNs
- Configuring and managing routers
- Monitoring network performance
- Analyzing network traffic
- Planning and implementing disaster recovery procedures
What Are The Skills Needed By a Network Administrator
As a Network Administrator, you will need to have a healthy combination of hard technical skills and soft skills. Among the technical skills required to be a successful Network Administrator, we can include:
- knowledge of networking hardware (switches, routers, firewalls, etc.)
- networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, ICMP, etc.)
- configuring and managing network devices (routers, switches, firewalls, wireless access points)
- monitoring network performance
- troubleshooting network issues
- knowledge of LAN/WAN technologies
- planning and implementing disaster recovery procedures
Soft skills are also important for Network Administrators. These include:
- communication skills (written and oral)
- problem-solving skills
- teamwork skills
- technical writing skills
- great time management
To be successful in a role as a Network Administrator, you will need to have the ability to effectively communicate with people from all levels within an organization and possess strong problem-solving skills. Additionally, working independently and managing your time is critical in this role.
How To Become a Network Administrator?
To become a Network Administrator, you will need to have at least an associate’s degree in information technology or computer science. However, many employers prefer candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, most administrators have been certified in Cisco Systems (CCNA) and Microsoft Systems (MCSE).
The CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ are two of the most frequent credentials for IT professionals who work as network administrators. These are vendor-neutral certifications that teach all technological businesses, such as Microsoft or Cisco, for example, knowledge. The next stage is to gain practical experience managing networks. It’s also a good idea to obtain vendor-specific certifications, such as the Microsoft Azure Administrator or Amazon AWS Cloud certificates. To enter the field of network administration, a Bachelor’s degree or similar training and experience are necessary.
Once you have obtained the appropriate education and certifications, it is important to highlight your skills on your resume and networking profiles. This will show employers that you are qualified for the job and increase your chances of being called for an interview.
The Network Administrator role is a great way to start your career in information technology. The roles and responsibilities are varied, and the skills needed are both technical and soft skills. There are many opportunities for advancement within this field, so it is a great place to start your IT career.
What Are The Job Roles and Responsibilities of a Systems Administrator?
A Systems Administrator is responsible for the overall operation of a company’s computer systems. They install and maintain system hardware and software and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Systems Administrators also develop policies and procedures for using the systems and may be required to provide support to users.
They also need to have a working knowledge of:
- Operating Systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Application Packaging (MSI, App-V, Chocolatey)
- Cloud Services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform)
- Virtualization Technologies (Hyper-V, VMware vSphere)
- Configuring and managing Active Directory
- Planning and implementing disaster recovery procedures
What Are The Skills Needed By a System Administrator
Like Network Administrators; Systems Administrators need to have a healthy combination of hard technical and soft skills. Among the technical skills necessary to be a successful Systems Administrator, we can include:
- knowledge of system hardware (servers, storage devices, etc.)
- knowledge of system software (operating systems, application packaging, cloud services)
- configuring and managing system devices (servers, storage devices, printers)
- monitoring system performance
- troubleshooting system issues
- planning and implementing disaster recovery procedures
Soft skills are also important for Systems Administrators. These include:
- communication skills (written and oral)
- problem-solving skills
- teamwork skills
- technical writing skills
- time management skills
To be successful in a role as a Systems Administrator, you will need to have the ability to effectively communicate with people from all levels within an organization and possess strong problem-solving skills. Additionally, working independently and managing your time efficiently is critical in this role. Systems Administrators are responsible for ensuring that company computer systems are running smoothly and meet users’ needs.
They install and maintain system hardware and software, troubleshoot any issues that may arise, develop policies and procedures for using the systems, and provide support to users.
How To Become a Systems Administrator?
A bachelor’s degree is necessary to become a system administrator, and IT courses are required. System administrators with a bachelor’s degree or higher are the norm. For baccalaureates, four years or 120 credits of education above high school is necessary. Employers may consider individuals with a two-year associate’s degree that includes 60 credit hours in information technology, computer science, and management information systems. Information Technology, Computer Science, and Management Information Systems are all good majors to study.
Systems administration is a wide field that encompasses computer and network management, and IT operations. Certain colleges provide more specialized programs, such as database and network administration. Some system administrators have a bachelor’s degree in computer hardware or software engineering. An information systems master’s degree is sometimes required for higher-level admin jobs at bigger businesses.
Certifications might help future systems administrators improve their earning potential. Certifications are voluntary outside-of-school skills badges that demonstrate competence. Systems experts may find it beneficial to get certifications for the programs their firm utilizes. Linux, Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA provide such accreditations.
CompTIA is a non-profit organization that has certified more than 2.5 million IT specialists with titles like Server+ and Network+. Some businesses choose to obtain PMI credentials. Amazon Web Services offers the Certified SysOps Administrator credential after finishing a 130-minute exam. A Google Cloud Professional Network Engineer may also function as a system administrator for Google Cloud.
The Importance of Earning and Keeping your IT Certificates Up-to-Date
IT certifications can be a key factor in helping Systems and Network Administrators secure their positions within the industry. Earning an IT certification can also lead to increased earning potential, as well as job security.
The most important factor for any Systems or Network Administrator is keeping their IT certificates up-to-date. Certificates expire after a certain amount of time, so it’s important for professionals in these roles to renew them regularly. This helps ensure that they are current on the latest technology and trends in the field.
It’s also beneficial for Systems and Network Administrators to have multiple IT certifications. This demonstrates that they are versatile and knowledgeable in different areas of information technology. Having multiple certifications can also lead to increased job opportunities.
The best way to obtain IT certifications is through accredited educational institutions like MyComputerCareer. There are many reputable providers of IT certification training, such as Microsoft, CompTIA, and Cisco. Systems and Network Administrators can also find certification exams through these providers.
Conclusion
Systems and Network Administrators are both important positions in the world of Information Technology. They play different roles in maintaining the health and security of a company’s network infrastructure, and each has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks.
Becoming a Systems or Network Administrator is a great way to improve your career prospects and make yourself more marketable in the IT industry. There are many different ways to become certified, and the amount of training required depends on your level of experience. With the right skill set, you can enjoy a long and prosperous career as an IT professional.
Whether you’re earning your Systems Administrator certification or Network Administrator certification, MyComputerCareer has the courses you need to help you pass your exams and start your career in IT. For more information on our courses and programs, contact us today!