The demand for network administrators has skyrocketed over the past few decades. If you love working with computers, this article will help you learn how to become a network administrator, including career paths, degree options, and required skills and duties.

Almost all enterprises in the digital age depend on networks and connectivity. That’s where network administrators come in. Network administrators are responsible for maintaining the hardware and software on behalf of an organization.

A network administrator is a professional who operates and maintains the computer network used by all members of an organization. Sometimes referred to as system administrators or simply network admins, they oversee, maintain, and repair the technology needed to keep operations running smoothly.

Without network administrators, companies might not be able to handle large influxes of data into their systems. Even during times of economic stress, companies often retain network administrators to optimize existing networks and communications.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators stood at $83,510 in 2019. On the whole, salaries for network administrators range from $32,000 to $183,000 per year. The most significant factors affecting salary are location, experience, and area of specialty.

The demand for network administrators is expected to grow at a rate of four percent over the next ten years. The number of network and computer systems administrators in the United States is nearly 400,000 and rising.

Entry-level network administrators should have a bachelor’s degree at minimum. It will also help if you have some prior experience working in IT, though this requirement varies depending on the position, location, and company.

With that said, you can expect to earn a reasonably high salary from the outset. According to ZipRecruiter, the average entry-level network administrator makes $52,167 per year.

The best way to prepare for your network administrator job interview is to familiarize yourself with common interview questions. Prospective employers will be eager to learn more about your technical expertise and experience.

Below are some of the interview questions you should be ready for.

A network administrator is responsible for maintaining computer infrastructure within an organization. They install and configure new server hardware and applications. They also fix any problems that arise.

The duties of a network administrator depend on the size and type of organization. Below are some of the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks performed by network administrators.

As a network administrator, you’ll need communication skills and other soft skills. More importantly, you’ll want to have a variety of technical skills at your disposal. Below are some of the most critical skills for network administration.

It will take two years or less if you pursue an associate degree. On the other hand, it might take you three to five years to complete a bachelor’s degree program. If you choose the shorter path, consider gaining lots of experience and earning a certification. Doing so will open up more job opportunities in the future.

Considering education, work experience, and certification together, the whole process can take between five and six years.

Becoming a network administrator is a great idea, especially if you have a knack for working with computer hardware and software. Of course, it is ultimately up to you to figure out the right career path for your skills and passions.

There are many viable paths to becoming a network administrator. Once you have the requisite training and experience, you’ll be in line to enjoy a career with high job demand, diverse employment options, and fairly high salaries.