Network Administrator Job Description

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The network administrator job description includes the set up and maintenance of computer networks. These pathways for information are vitally important in the modern marketplace, and companies need well-trained, creative and motivated people to establish their communication networks.

Network administrators may design company-specific Intranets or they may work on developing an external network.

Once a network design has been established, the network administrator sets up the network hardware and software and configures network settings, including crucial security settings. Supervising and maintaining a network is also part of a network administrator's job description.

More experienced network administrators find themselves directing the work of junior network administrators and discovering ways to tweak more performance out of an established network system. Top-level network administrators use their considerable experience to make networking recommendations to the highest levels of company management.

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Network Administrator Job Description and Career Path

	Entry Level	Mid Level	Senior Level
Types of Roles	Network administrator	Senior network administrator	Consulting network administrator
Experience	0 – 4 years	5 – 10 years	10+ years
Getting There	Information technology, computer sciences or engineering bachelor's degree Strong understanding of computer systems and networks	All entry-level requirements Leadership skills Ability to think creatively Project ownership	All mid-level requirements MBA or Masters in Information Technology Extensive networking experience
Salary*	$54,321	$67,500	$86,000
Description	Design and develop computer networks Troubleshoot and maintain current network systems	Direct work of lower level administrators Recommend network improvements to senior management	Provide leadership for networking team Prepare contingency plans Make training recommendations

_{* Depends on company size, specific job, and location
Sources: Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA); Princeton Review; Salary.com, 2009; Bureau of Labor Statistics}