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Systems Administrator

Quick Facts

Median Salary$101,900
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth-24.45%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Systems Administrator manages the day-to-day operations of an organization's computer networks, including the systems that connect computers and other technology to each other and to outside networks. Installs, organizes, and supports the hardware and software of these systems.


Core Tasks:

  • Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
  • Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
  • Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
  • Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
  • Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use.
  • Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
  • Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and where changes will be needed in the future.
  • Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.
  • Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
  • Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
  • Confer with network users about solutions to existing system problems.
  • Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records.
  • Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms.
  • Train people in computer system use.
  • Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records.
  • Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements.
  • Coordinate with vendors and with company personnel to facilitate purchases.

What to expect as a Systems Administrator

1Earn a Bachelor's degree

58% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Systems Administrator related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

3555 openings for Systems Administrators

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Systems Administrator. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.