How to Become a Network Administrator
by Danielle Antosz | Published on December 17, 2024
Considering becoming a network administrator? This role is crucial to modern businesses. Just like you can't watch your favorite streaming shows without Wi-Fi, most businesses can't run without the help of a skilled network administrator to keep IT systems running smoothly.
If you enjoy problem-solving and like the idea of being the glue that holds a network together, this could be the right career for you!
In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know to become a network administrator, including what the role entails, the type of education you'll need, and how to advance your career.
What is a Network Administrator?
Network administrators are the unsung heroes of IT, responsible for managing and maintaining an organization’s computer networks. These professionals ensure everything—from your company’s email system to its fancy cloud apps—stays online, secure, and running at peak performance.
Here's what network administrators typically handle:
Install and Configure Networks: Set up LANs, WANs, and VPNs that connect your office and remote teams like a well-oiled machine.
asMonitor Network Performance: Ensure all systems are running optimally and troubleshoot when things go haywire.
Fix Network Issues: Identify and fix bottlenecks, outages, or that one rogue router causing chaos.
Manage Network Security: Protect the organization’s data by configuring firewalls, updating network security protocols, and thwarting cyberattacks.
Collaborate: Work closely with IT teams to support software systems, hardware, and end-user devices.
Day in the Life of a Network Administrator
As a network administrator, your typical day will vary based on what industry you're in, the company you work for, and the structure of your IT department. For example, if you have specialized team members for functions like cyber security, you might have fewer of those tasks on your plate.
Here’s an example of what a typical day could look like:
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
8:00 AM - Morning Check-In | You start the day by grabbing a coffee and logging into your network monitoring tools. A quick scan of dashboards ensures everything is running smoothly, with no overnight issues or alerts. You review any automated reports and emails from your team or users reporting connectivity problems. |
8:30 AM - Team Stand-Up | Join a quick IT team meeting to discuss ongoing projects and prioritize tasks for the day. Today’s top priority? Configuring a new VPN for remote employees and investigating a latency issue reported in the sales department. |
9:00 AM - Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues | You head down to the sales floor to troubleshoot network performance complaints. After running diagnostics, you discover that a misconfigured switch is creating bottlenecks. You fix the issue and double-check that everyone is back online. |
11:00 AM - Firewall and Security Updates | Spend some time reviewing the company’s firewall policies and applying updates to strengthen network security. While you’re at it, you check the logs for unusual activity—nothing suspicious today, thankfully. |
12:30 PM - Lunch Break | Take a well-deserved break! (Though your phone stays close—just in case the network decides to misbehave while you’re away.) |
1:30 PM - VPN Configuration | Back at your desk, you work on setting up a new VPN for remote employees. You configure the necessary settings, test the connection, and ensure it meets company security policies. |
3:00 PM - Network Optimization | Run a few scripts to optimize network performance and check for outdated devices or firmware. You make a mental note to replace an aging router next week and document your findings for the monthly IT report. |
4:00 PM - IT Support Tickets | Close out the day by addressing IT support tickets related to networking. A manager needs help connecting their laptop to the company’s secure Wi-Fi, and another request involves explaining the company’s BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy to a new hire. |
5:30 PM - Wrap-Up and Documentation | Before heading home, you document the day’s activities, update network diagrams, and send a quick summary to your manager about the resolved connectivity issue and VPN setup. With everything running smoothly (for now), you log off and head home. |
Technical Skills for Network Administrators
To thrive as a network administrator, you’ll need:
Networking Know-How: Proficiency in tools like Cisco Packet Tracer and knowledge of protocols like TCP/IP and DNS.
Security Expertise: Understanding firewalls, VPNs, and cybersecurity principles.
Vendor-Specific Knowledge: Experience with Cisco and Juniper systems is often a must.
Scripting Skills: Familiarity with Python, Bash, or PowerShell to automate tasks and troubleshoot effectively.
Industry Demand and Job Outlook for Network Administrators
The demand for network administrators isn’t going anywhere. Businesses of all sizes are expanding their IT infrastructure, and with that comes the need for skilled professionals to manage it.
According to industry projections, the field is expected to experience a slight decline, around 3%, between 2023 and 2033. However, there will be a greater demand for cybersecurity and cloud-based networking.
Education and Training Resources
Most network administrators have a bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or Networking. If college isn’t your path, there are plenty of boot camps and online courses focused on networking.
If you don't have a degree in CS or IT (or even if you do!), several industry certifications can help you stand out as a network administrator. Top certifications for this field include:
Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Fundamentals
Network Administrator Career Path and Progression
The path your career may take can vary based on your interests, education, plan for the future, and the industry you're in. Here's the general path most network administrators take:
Entry-Level Positions: Many network admins start as network technicians, system administrators, or help desk technicians, gaining foundational experience in IT support and networking.
Advancement Opportunities: With experience, network administrators can advance to roles such as senior network administrator, network engineer, or IT manager. Specialized roles in network architecture or security are also possible.
Alternative Career Paths: Depending on their interests and further training, network administrators may branch into roles like cloud network engineers, cybersecurity specialists, or network analysts.
Network Administrator vs. System Administrator
While both roles maintain IT infrastructure, network administrators focus on routers, switches, and firewalls, while system administrators keep servers and operating systems running smoothly. Think of it as choosing between fixing highways (network) or maintaining the cars on the road (systems).
Read more about the differences between network administrators and system administrators here.
How Much Does a Network Administrator Make?
Network administrator salaries can vary significantly based on factors like experience, industry, location, and the size of the company. While it’s not a role that immediately commands six figures, it offers steady growth opportunities and competitive compensation, particularly as you gain experience and specialize in areas like security or cloud networking.
Experience Level | Average Salary |
Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $50,000 - $65,000 |
Mid-Level (3-5 years) | $65,000 - $85,000 |
Senior-Level (5+ years) | $85,000 - $100,000+ |
(Source: Glassdoor, [10/08/2024)
Many factors can impact your salary range, including company size, industry (e.g., finance vs healthcare), and geographic location (with higher salaries in tech hubs.) Overall, network administrator roles also offer excellent opportunities for career progression. Moving into related roles like network engineering, IT management, or specialized fields like cybersecurity or cloud architecture can lead to even higher earnings.
Ready to Start a Career in Network Administration?
Being a network administrator isn’t just about plugging in cables and resetting routers. It’s about building reliable networks, ensuring security, and keeping the digital backbone of a company strong.
With the right education, certifications, and hands-on experience, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of networking (and earning some decent cash while you’re at it).
Ready to get started? Explore all the network certification training CBT Nuggets has to offer.