Network and Computer Systems Administrators

SOC code 15-1244 · O*NET-SOC 15-1244.00 · Medium preparation needed · Computer and IT

Network and Computer Systems Administrators pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$99,130

a year

Hourly

$47.66

per hour

10th$62,640Median$99,13090th$155,050

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$103,680

$49.85 per hour

Middle 50%

$78,010 – $126,640

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$62,640 – $155,050

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

314,340

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $62,640; $30.11/hr
25th percentile: $78,010; $37.51/hr
Median percentile: $99,130; $47.66/hr
75th percentile: $126,640; $60.89/hr
90th percentile: $155,050; $74.55/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

-4%

Declining

331,500

jobs in 2024

317,700

projected for 2034

About 13,800 fewer jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do network and computer systems administrators do?

Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
Confer with network users about solutions to existing system problems.
Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use.
Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records.

How to qualify for this work

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a network and computer systems administrators earn?

The national median is $99,130 a year. The full range runs from $62,640 at the 10th percentile to $155,050 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a network and computer systems administrators without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is network and computer systems administrators in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to shrink by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — declining. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Monitoring3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics4.6/5
Telecommunications3.6/5
Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
English Language3.4/5
Administration and Management3.2/5
Administrative3.1/5
Engineering and Technology3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Troubleshooting, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis, Systems Evaluation, Complex Problem Solving, Programming.