Quick FactsNETWORK ADMINISTRATORNATURE OF THE WORK Network systems administrators design, install, and support an organization’s local-area network (LAN) or wide-area network (WAN) systems. They maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure its availability to system users. WORKING CONDITIONS Systems administrators normally work in well-lighted, comfortable offices or computer laboratories. They usually work about 40 hours a week, but that may include being “on call” via pager or telephone for rotating evening or weekend work. EMPLOYMENT Computer network specialists held about 797,000 jobs in 2004. Of these, approximately 518,000 were computer support specialists and around 278,000 were network and computer systems administrators. JOB OUTLOOK Employment of systems administrators is expected to increase faster than the average through 2014, as organizations continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated technology and integrate it into their systems. Job prospects should be best for professionals who are up to date with the latest skills and technologies. EARNINGS Median annual earnings of network and computer systems administrators were $58,190 in May 2004. ADVANCEMENT The middle 50 percent earned between $46,260 and $73,620. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,100, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $91,300. RELATED OCCUPATIONS Computer support specialists Computer programmers Computer software engineers Computer systems analysts Computer scientists and database administrators CSI Programs NCP - Networking Career Program CCNP CCNA, PIX, and Wireless CompTIA MCSA MCSE A.A.S. Degree in Network Systems Administration ADDITIONAL RESOURCES www.csinow.com www.dol.gov www.careerinfonet.org CSI Contacts
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