Network & Computer Systems Administrator
Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ computer networks and systems.
What the job is
- The work
- Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ computer networks and systems.
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Work environment
- Network and computer systems administrators work for a variety of organizations, including computer systems design firms, schools, and financial institutions. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Administrators may work evenings, nights, and weekends to monitor, maintain, or update networks and systems.
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Good fit for
- People who like keeping systems running, can juggle several tasks, and do not mind evening or weekend work when networks need it.
- Career cluster
- Digital Technology
Key numbers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay for May 2025 (network and computer systems administrators).
- Median pay
- $99,130 a year ($47.66 an hour)
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Jobs in 2025
- 323,600
- Typical entry
- Bachelor's degree
- Training after hire
- None
Job outlook, 2025–35
- Projected growth
- −4%, which BLS calls "decline"
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Jobs added
- −13,200 over 2025–35
- All U.S. jobs
- 3.5% over the same period, for comparison
How to become one
- The usual route
- To enter the occupation, network and computer systems administrators typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science.
BLS
Network and Computer Systems Administrators — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- In short
- Administrators typically need a bachelor's degree in a computer or information science field; some employers accept a postsecondary certificate or an associate's degree. Employers may require certification in the products they use.
- License
- Not required
- Paying for it
- File the FAFSA (opens by October 1) for grants, work-study and federal loans; a Pell Grant pays up to $7,395 a year (2026–27). Average public four-year tuition and fees: $11,950 in-state vs $31,880 out-of-state (2025–26). Residency rules and regional discounts · Save with 2+2 transfer
- Your state
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StateChoose a state
- AlabamaState guide
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- WashingtonState guide
- West VirginiaState guide
- WisconsinState guide
- WyomingState guide
Step-by-step roadmap
The routes step by step, the exam gates and the state license step are on one page.
Network and computer systems administrator: degree, certifications, network architect
See the roadmap
Route 1: Bachelor's degree in computer and information technology · Route 2: Certificate or associate's degree · Route 3: Administrator → network architect or IT manager
More careers in Digital Technology
Open the cluster hubEvery career page in this cluster, with entry, license, pay and outlook side by side.
Every number links to the BLS page it came from, checked 20 Oct 2026. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses.