How much does a systems administrator make?

In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, location, and employer industry; BLS data shows differences across industries and places. A certification may help someone qualify for a job that asks for it, and night, weekend, or longer schedules can affect total earnings.

Install, configure, and maintain an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. Excludes “Information Security Analysts” (15-1212), “Computer Network Support Specialists” (15-1231), and “Computer User Support Specialists” (15-1232).

What's a typical day like?

They check system alerts, logs, and backups, then update software or repair a slow network. They add user accounts, set permissions, help staff solve problems, and protect computers and servers.

In the United States, the usual route is a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science, IT, or engineering, with courses in programming, networking, and systems design. Some employers accept a postsecondary certificate or associate degree and may ask for a vendor or vendor-neutral certification.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like keeping things organized and building and doing.

Some U.S. systems administrators work evenings, nights, or weekends to monitor, maintain, or update networks.