This article is part of an IT Career News series called Your Next Move. These articles take an inside look at the roles related to CompTIA certifications. Each article will include the responsibilities, qualifications, related job titles and salary range for the role. As you consider the next move in your IT career, check back with CompTIA to learn more about your job prospects and how to get there.
If you like to manage systems and solve connectivity issues, then network administration may be a good next step for you.
What Is a Network Administrator?
A network administrator focuses on the day-to-day management and maintenance of existing networks, ensuring their optimal performance, security and availability. Their responsibilities include:
- Monitoring network performance
- Troubleshooting connectivity issues
- Managing user access
- Implementing network policies and procedures
- Managing backup systems for the network
Depending on the size of the organization, network administrators might be responsible for supporting the desktop computers as well as other networked devices. Network administrators must have a thorough understanding of switches, routers and networked communications. Network administrators ensure the smooth operation of the network and address any problems that arise.
IT Career Paths: How to Get into IT Support
How to Become a Network Administrator
While many network administrators hold an undergrad or graduate degree in computer science, network administration, systems engineering or a similar field of study, entry-level networking positions may not require a college degree. In most higher positions, however, a degree and certifications are required. Being CompTIA Network+ certified shows employers that you have skills to succeed as a network administrator. Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you become a network administrator.
CompTIA Linux+ validates the skills of IT pros with hands-on experience configuring, monitoring and supporting servers running on the Linux operating system. This could be a key addition towards becoming a network administrator.
The exam focuses on the following skills:
- Security
- Kernel modules
- Storage and virtualization
- Device management at the enterprise level
- Git and automation
- Networking and firewalls
- Server side and command line
- Sever coverage
- Troubleshooting
- SELinux
In addition to certifications, CompTIA offers a full suite of training products to help you learn the technical and professional skills necessary to become a network administrator. Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you land this role.
- CertMaster Learn: Learn at your pace with interactive lessons and videos
- CertMaster Labs: Get hands-on practice using real software applications
- CertMaster Practice: Test your knowledge and find out if you’re ready for the exam
- The Official CompTIA Study Guide: Learn and review exam objectives with our comprehensive textbook
The Details
Network Administrator Salary Range
Network administrators have a median annual wage of $80,600 as of May 2021 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)).
Network Administrator Job Outlook
From 2021 to 2031 the BLS projects an increase of 3% for network administrators, with 11,300 net new jobs expected during that 10-year period.
Job Titles Related to Network Administrator
- Network engineer
- Network designer
- Network systems and data communications analyst
- Telecommunications engineer/personnel/specialist
- Network systems engineer
+ Means More
At CompTIA, + means IT careers. That means you can consider us your partner on your journey to becoming certified, finding, interviewing for and winning that new job role.
- We help you save money. Getting a CompTIA certification is an investment in your career but getting a discount can help. There are several ways you can save money on your CompTIA purchases.
- We help you decide how to take your exam. Scheduling your exam is the easy part. CompTIA exams are offered at testing centers around the world as well as through online testing, which is available 24/7, so you can test in person or at home. Learn more about your testing options.
- We help you land your next job. We’ve teamed up with ZipRecruiter so you can get access to job alerts, digital badging and more. Be sure to sync your credentials on ZipRecruiter as you continue to grow within the tech industry.
Need more job inspiration? Check out CompTIA’s Tech Job Report video series now premiering on CompTIA Connect. Learn more about the latest data and trends in tech hiring and the implications for employers and the U.S. workforce with new episodes each month.
Read about more IT jobs featured in Your Next Move.
Will your next move be network administrator? If so, download the exam objectives for CompTIA Linux+ to learn more.
