What Is a Network Administrator? A Complete Career Guide to Skills, Jobs, and Salaries
Updated on Dec 21, 2024 | 11 min read | 2.7k views
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Updated on Dec 21, 2024 | 11 min read | 2.7k views
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Ever wondered how Amazon handles vast amounts of customer data or how Google keeps millions of servers running smoothly? It’s all made possible by a dedicated team of network administrators. These professionals ensure that networks are properly configured, maintained, and secured, serving as the backbone of modern enterprises.
The global spending on cybersecurity has exceeded USD 1 trillion between 2017 and 2021. This highlights the critical importance businesses place on protecting their IT systems and the role of network administrators.
If you want to know what is a network administrator and how you can step into this field, you’ve landed the right article. You’ll learn about the essential skills needed and the steps to become one. Dive in!
A network administrator manages and maintains an organization's network infrastructure to ensure that the network is smooth, secure, and meets the needs of the organization.
The focus is on connectivity between devices, servers, and other systems so that data flows efficiently across the network.
A network administrator’s functions are similar to that of a systems administrator. However, there are some key differences in their roles, mentioned in the following section.
Here’s how a network administrator differs from a systems administrator.
Criteria | Network Administrator | Systems Administrator |
Responsibilities |
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Skills Set |
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Tools |
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Security Focus |
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Also Read: Top 20 System Administrator Skills To Master in 2024
After a brief overview of what is a network administrator, let’s understand the responsibilities of this role.
The main responsibility of a network administrator is to carry out tasks that help maintain the stability and efficiency of an organization’s network. It includes managing hardware, overseeing network services, and protecting the network from threats.
Here are the key responsibilities of a network administrator.
1. Network Design and Configuration
2. Network Maintenance
3. Security Management
4. Resolving Problems
5. Network Documentation
6. Bandwidth Management
7. User Management
Also Read: 50 Networking Interview Questions & Answers
After understanding what is a network administrator and their key responsibilities, let's now explore the steps involved in becoming one.
To become a network administrator, you’ll have to follow several key steps that range from obtaining an educational degree to gaining certifications and securing your first job interview.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming a network administrator.
While not mandatory, a degree in an IT-related field can give you an edge over other competitors. A degree in technology provides you with the theoretical and practical knowledge required to understand complex network systems.
Here are the degrees that you can pursue.
A certificate from a reputed organization validates your expertise and skills in networking. The right certifications can help you get better job opportunities and higher salaries.
Here are some of the key certificates you can explore.
Certification | Approximate Cost | Relevance |
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | INR 25K | Ideal for beginners. It covers network fundamentals, IP services, and security. |
CompTIA Network+ | INR 31K | This entry-level certificate covers networking concepts, troubleshooting, network security, and protocols. |
Cisco Certified Network Professional Routing & Switching (CCNP R&S) | INR 76K | This certificate goes deeper into networking concepts and is ideal for those looking for mid-to-senior roles in networking. |
An advanced degree, such as a Master’s in Network Engineering or Cybersecurity, can help you stand out for managerial or specialized roles in larger organizations.
The in-depth knowledge of complex networking concepts, security, and advanced networking protocols gained during a Master’s degree makes you suitable for specialized roles like network manager.
Before starting as a network administrator, you need to gain hands-on experience in an entry-level networking role. Here are a few positions you can apply to gain experience.
After completing the necessary certifications, gaining some hands-on experience, and refining your skills, you’ll have to start applying for a network administrator role.
Here’s how you can prepare for the interview.
Looking to enhance your soft skills, like time management? Join the free course on Time and Productivity Management Techniques today!
Now that you understand the path to becoming a network administrator, let's take a look at the key skills you'll need to succeed in this role.
For the role of a network administrator, you’ll need a combination of technical expertise (ex, network configuration) and soft skills (ex, problem-solving). A combination of both these skills will help you excel in this role.
Here are the key technical and soft skills needed for the role of network administrator.
As a network administrator, your primary responsibility will be to set up, manage, and maintain network systems. The following skills are essential for maintaining a secure and efficient network infrastructure.
You need to know network devices (ex, router and switch) network services (ex, DHCP) and must be able to design and implement network topologies like VLANs.
For example, configuring a router to manage traffic between internal and external networks.
You must be proficient in using monitoring tools to assess network performance, analyze traffic patterns, and implement patches to secure the system. For example, check the network when you observe unusual spikes in traffic.
You must be able to identify the reasons for hardware and network failure. In addition, you must implement solutions to reduce the downtime of the network.
For example, identifying a faulty switch that is causing network disruption.
Knowledge of security protocols like firewalls is of utmost importance. You must be able to implement measures that can protect the network from internal and external threats. For example, configuring VPN for remote workers.
You must have experience working with network management tools like Wireshark and Nagios. In addition, you must be able to use simulators for testing configurations and troubleshooting. For example, using tools like Wireshark to analyze network data.
Effective soft skills will help you succeed in the workplace, especially when collaborating with other teams and managing multiple priorities.
Here are some of the soft skills you need for the role of a network administrator.
You must be able to explain complex technical issues to non-technical staff and management. Effective communication will also help you collaborate with team members, vendors, and end-users to ensure smooth resolution of issues.
You have to work with other IT staff, departments, and vendors to support the organization’s network needs. The collaboration will expedite troubleshooting efforts and resolve issues quickly.
You must learn to adapt quickly to new technologies, network protocols, and security practices. Adaptability will also help you handle challenges and shift priorities in a dynamic IT environment.
You must develop the ability to analyze network issues, plan solutions, and foresee potential challenges. In addition, you need to analyze network performance and draw actionable conclusions for system improvements.
You must develop skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Balancing daily operational tasks with long-term network upgrades will help you meet deadlines and reduce system downtime.
Also Read: 15 Ways to Improve Your Time Management Skills
After a brief overview of this job role, let’s explore the network administrator salary.
As a network administrator, you have strong earning potential and long-term job security, considering the increasing dependence on technology and the rise of remote work. The salary depends on factors such as experience level. Here is the network administrator salary based on their experience level.
Experience | Average Annual Salary |
Entry Level Role | INR 2.8L |
Mid Level Role | INR 5.3L |
Senior Role | INR 7.2L |
Source: Ambitionbox
The skills you develop in network administration can help you transition into several high-paying and rewarding career paths. The technical knowledge and problem solving skills will help you secure roles from systems analysis and software development to management positions.
Here are some of the career opportunities in network administration.
1. Computer Systems Analyst
Average Annual Salary: INR 2.4L
As a computer systems analyst, you'll evaluate and improve an organization’s systems and software, designing and optimizing network configurations for better efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
2. Computer Programmer
Average Annual Salary: INR 3L
A computer programmer writes and maintains the code that enables software applications and systems to function.
Key Responsibilities:
3. Computer and Information Systems Manager
Average Annual Salary: INR 5.7L
A computer and information systems manager oversees an organization’s IT operations, including network infrastructure. Leadership experience can help you transition into this role.
Key Responsibilities:
4. Software Developer
Average Annual Salary: INR 6L
In this role, you’ll build and design applications or systems that improve network functionality and address IT challenges.
Key Responsibilities:
Also Read: Top Software Developer Skills You Need to Have: How to Improve them.
5. Computer Network Architect
Average Annual Salary: INR 21L
A computer network architect’s role is to design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.
Key Responsibilities:
Now that you understand what is a network administrator, let's explore the steps to becoming one.
Becoming a network administrator is a rewarding career choice that requires strong skills in network configuration, system management, and security protocols. These skills can be gained through industry-recognized certifications and hands-on experience.
upGrad offers specialized courses and certifications designed to equip you with the technical skills needed to succeed as a network administrator. With over 1 crore learners relying on upGrad for their upskilling, it's a leading destination for career growth.
Here are some of the courses offered by upGrad in computing.
Do you need help deciding which course to take to advance your career in network administration? Contact upGrad for personalized counseling and valuable insights. For more details, you can also visit your nearest upGrad offline center.
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References:
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/network-administrator-salary?experience=1
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/network-administrator-salary?experience=5
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/network-administrator-salary?experience=10
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/network-architect-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/software-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/computer-and-information-systems-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,40.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/computer-programmer-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/computer-systems-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,24.htm
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