This article is part of an IT Career News series called Your Next Move. These articles take an inside look at the roles related to CompTIA certifications. Each article will include the responsibilities, qualifications, related job titles and salary range for the role. As you consider the next move in your IT career, check back with CompTIA to learn more about your job prospects and how to get there.
If you like to manage systems and solve connectivity issues, then network administration may be a good next step for you.
What Is a Network Administrator?
A network administrator focuses on the day-to-day management and maintenance of existing networks, ensuring their optimal performance, security and availability. Their responsibilities include:
- Monitoring network performance
- Troubleshooting connectivity issues
- Managing user access
- Implementing network policies and procedures
- Managing backup systems for the network
Depending on the size of the organization, network administrators might be responsible for supporting the desktop computers as well as other networked devices. Network administrators must have a thorough understanding of switches, routers and networked communications. Network administrators ensure the smooth operation of the network and address any problems that arise.
IT Career Paths: How to Get into IT Support
How to Become a Network Administrator
While many network administrators hold an undergrad or graduate degree in computer science, network administration, systems engineering or a similar field of study, entry-level networking positions may not require a college degree. In most higher positions, however, a degree and certifications are required. Being CompTIA Network+ certified shows employers that you have skills to succeed as a network administrator. Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you become a network administrator.
CompTIA Linux+ validates the skills of IT pros with hands-on experience configuring, monitoring and supporting servers running on the Linux operating system. This could be a key addition towards becoming a network administrator.
The exam focuses on the following skills:
- Security
- Kernel modules
- Storage and virtualization
- Device management at the enterprise level
- Git and automation
- Networking and firewalls
- Server side and command line
- Sever coverage
- Troubleshooting
- SELinux
In addition to certifications, CompTIA offers a full suite of training products to help you learn the technical and professional skills necessary to become a network administrator. Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you land this role.
- CertMaster Learn: Learn at your pace with interactive lessons and videos
- CertMaster Labs: Get hands-on practice using real software applications
- CertMaster Practice: Test your knowledge and find out if you’re ready for the exam
- The Official CompTIA Study Guide: Learn and review exam objectives with our comprehensive textbook
The Details
Network Administrator Salary Range
Network administrators have a median annual wage of $80,600 as of May 2021 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)).
Network Administrator Job Outlook
From 2021 to 2031 the BLS projects an increase of 3% for network administrators, with 11,300 net new jobs expected during that 10-year period.
Job Titles Related to Network Administrator
- Network engineer
- Network designer
- Network systems and data communications analyst
- Telecommunications engineer/personnel/specialist
- Network systems engineer
+ Means More
At CompTIA, + means IT careers. That means you can consider us your partner on your journey to becoming certified, finding, interviewing for and winning that new job role.
- We help you save money. Getting a CompTIA certification is an investment in your career but getting a discount can help. There are several ways you can save money on your CompTIA purchases.
- We help you decide how to take your exam. Scheduling your exam is the easy part. CompTIA exams are offered at testing centers around the world as well as through online testing, which is available 24/7, so you can test in person or at home. Learn more about your testing options.
- We help you land your next job. CompTIA certifications hold great value in the IT industry and are highly sought-after by recruiters. They signify a proven competence and expertise in various tech disciplines, making individuals who earn these certifications stand out in the job market.
Need more job inspiration? Check out CompTIA’s Tech Job Report video series now premiering on CompTIA Connect. Learn more about the latest data and trends in tech hiring and the implications for employers and the U.S. workforce with new episodes each month.
Read about more IT jobs featured in Your Next Move.
Will your next move be network administrator? If so, download the exam objectives for CompTIA Linux+ to learn more.
8 comments
Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are
Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging, Read full commentthanks ! for this guideline
Hi Leajune, Thank you for reading the article and for your questions. Please check out https://w
Hi Leajune, Thank you for reading the article and for your questions. Please check out https://www.comptia.org/content/lp/it-certifications-job-match to learn about what types of jobs you can get with our different CompTIA certifications. Good Luck to you!Read full commentBy getting the Net+ Certification will that put me in a Data Center
Hi Abdi, Thank you for reading the article and for your question. Please check out this article
Hi Abdi, Thank you for reading the article and for your question. Please check out this article on how you can save money on certifications vouchers and training. I hope this helps!Read full commentDear, CompTIA Professional Certifications organization I am From Ethiopia Africa Grateful to CompTIA
Dear, CompTIA Professional Certifications organization I am From Ethiopia Africa Grateful to CompTIA course organization, first of all I have a financial problem for the payment of this course. CompTIA organization is best and well known online training company. I have great interest (demand) to learn this course and certified but my income three thousand USD / per month. Your company Certification well known great acceptance to our organization. If i have get your contribution to this course certification, my income will increase three times my current income. Next i will pay for other course to learn and get certifications. I appreciate your organization financial contribution to less income salary and student who no salary. Also I am householder i have wife and two children, my wife has no income salary, economic challenge to me, please help me to get this great education and certifications. Thank you for your Contribution! Read full commentHi, Ahteekesh! Thanks for your comment. The certifications along the CompTIA Infrastructure Career P
Hi, Ahteekesh! Thanks for your comment. The certifications along the CompTIA Infrastructure Career Pathway cover the skills needed to be a network administrator - CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Server+, Cloud+ and Linux+. These will help you to perform networking tasks on any vendor's products. Once you get into the role, you may want to get vendor-specific certifications related to the equipment you're working on, such as Cisco. Learn more here: https://www.comptia.org/blog/how-to-choose-which-certification-is-best-for-networking Good luck!Read full commentWhich CompTia certifications do I need to have to become a network administrator including Microsoft
Which CompTia certifications do I need to have to become a network administrator including Microsoft & Cisco certifications ?Read full comment