How to Become a Network Administrator

Network administrators manage and maintain the performance and security of computer networks, hardware, and software within an organization. As technology usage grows, network administrators are integral to keeping networks running and technology up to date. You’ll find positions available in a range of industries, from education to finance and technology. 

Discover how to become a network administrator by exploring the qualifications, experience, and skills necessary for this dynamic position. 

What does a network administrator do?

Network administrators are responsible for the networks within a company or organization, along with the relevant hardware, software, and technical equipment. In this role, you manage and maintain networks, solving any problems and bugs that may arise, installing updates, and ensuring the security of your network. 

Network administrator duties and responsibilities

Your duties will vary depending on the size of an organization, who you work for, and the industry you are in. However, your responsibilities will likely include:

• Managing and maintaining existing networks 

• Upgrading networks, hardware, VPNs, and routers

• Setting up new networks and updating existing ones

• Troubleshooting and fixing problems with software, hardware, networks, and equipment

• Managing security and virus protection

• Managing network backup systems

• Assigning and managing user permissions

• Reporting on technical and network issues to management-level staff

• Training employees and network users

• Configuring network equipment, local area networks (LANs), and wide area networks (WANs)

Industries employing network administrators

You’ll find network administrators in any industry or organization that requires a computer network. In smaller organizations, this may be a LAN, connecting one or more computers or devices in an office or building. In larger organizations, this might be a WAN, connecting devices in multiple offices or locations.

As a network administrator, you have excellent employment options within technology companies. Additionally, you can find opportunities across various other industries, such as:

• Finance

• Health care

• Education

• Manufacturing

• Government departments 

Network administrator salary 

As a network administrator, you can anticipate above-average salaries. The average annual salary for a network administrator is $95,360 [1]. Salary varies slightly according to the industry you work in, with the top industry being the information sector, paying an annual average of $104,070 [1].

How to become a network administrator

Network administrators are skilled in programming, networking, and systems design. You’ll develop these skills through a combination of education, experience, and continued professional development. You may follow the steps below to become a network administrator.

1. Earn your degree.

Most employers require you to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as computer and information technology, network administration, computer science, business, or engineering, to apply for a network administrator position. However, some employers will only request an associate degree, providing you have the relevant skills and experience. Fifty-five percent of network administrators have a bachelor’s degree, and 30 percent have an associate degree [2]. 

2. Build your technical skills.

Network administrator skills are largely technical. It’s important that you have strong technical abilities to be able to maintain and upgrade networks, install software, and troubleshoot problems. Essential technical skills to develop include the following:

• Coding and programming languages

• HTML

• Python

• C++

• Java

• JavaScript

• Ruby

• Networking and firewalls

• Network security

• Servers and command lines

• Networking and diagnostic software

• Project management

• Troubleshooting

• Storage and virtualization

• Device management 

As well as honing your technical skills, workplace skills are also very important in the role of network administrator. You must have excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as the ability to communicate technical terms to non-IT professionals and the skills to multitask effectively. 

3. Get a certification.

Some employers require you to have certifications relating to the vendors and products they use. Even if this isn’t the case, in a technical profession that advances so quickly, an industry certification is an excellent way of demonstrating your competency in specific areas. Some examples of certificates to consider are as follows:

• CompTIA Network+

• CompTIA Security+

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise

• AWS Cloud Practitioner 

4. Network in the industry.

Building connections within your industry can help you acquire new skills, find a mentor who can guide you, offer tips, and learn about job opportunities. You can meet people at in-person events and workshops, as well as online through networking websites and by joining groups and communities. 

5. Land an internship or entry-level job.

Most employers look for experience when hiring candidates in the technology field. Experience allows you to put your skills into practice, showcasing both your practical abilities and knowledge. If you are studying for a degree, find one that allows you to take an internship to gain some valuable industry experience, or consider gaining some experience in an entry-level position. 

Possible entry-level positions and salaries include:

• Systems administrator: $85,843 [3]

• Technical support technician: $50,563 [4]

• Network technician: $63,887 [5]

• Help desk analyst: $56,887 [6]

Network administrator career path

Working in a network administrator position allows for possible career advancement. You may progress into management positions in IT departments or upgrade your skills to gain a role like network architect. Find some examples below:

• Systems manager: $118,346

• Information technology manager: $127,396

• Infrastructure manager: $118,935

• Systems engineer: $111,014

• Network architect: $147,408

• Information technology consultant: $90,923

• Information systems director: $151,120

• Systems analyst: $108,389

*All salary information sourced from Glassdoor, January 2025.

Make a start as a network administrator on Coursera

A network administrator manages and maintains local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) for companies and organizations. This includes updating and installing software and hardware while ensuring network security. If you’re considering a career as a network administrator, a great place to start is with an online course or Professional Certificate to ground you in the basics. Take a look at the IBM IT Support Professional Certificate or the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, both available on Coursera.