Occupation profile

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

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.

Apprenticeship

Median Wage

$96,800/yr • $46.54/hr

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Full Occupation Profile
Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.

Education
Bachelor's degree: 52%
Associate's degree: 20%
Some college, no degree: 10%
Skills
Critical Thinking
72

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making
72

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Reading Comprehension
72

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Systems Analysis
72

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Active Listening
69

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Complex Problem Solving
69

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Monitoring
69

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Systems Evaluation
69

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

Troubleshooting
69

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Programming
66

Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Operations Monitoring
60

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Speaking
60

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Quality Control Analysis
56

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Active Learning
53

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Operations Analysis
53

Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Time Management
53

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Writing
53

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Coordination
50

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Equipment Maintenance
50

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Management of Personnel Resources
50

Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Mathematics
50

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Operation and Control
50

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Repairing
50

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Service Orientation
50

Actively looking for ways to help people.

Social Perceptiveness
50

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Equipment Selection
47

Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Instructing
47

Teaching others how to do something.

Learning Strategies
44

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Management of Material Resources
44

Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

Persuasion
44

Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Technology Design
44

Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

Negotiation
38

Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

Installation
35

Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Science
31

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Management of Financial Resources
25

Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

Knowledge Areas

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

The ability to see details at a distance.

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

The ability to see under low-light conditions.

The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Context

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

How much does this job require sitting?

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

Duration of Typical Work Week
66

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

How automated is the job?

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

How much does this job require standing?

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

How much does this job require walking or running?

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

Work Schedules
14

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

Technology Skills

Web platform development software

  • Apache Tomcat
  • Django
  • Microsoft ASP.NET
  • Node.js

Data base user interface and query software

  • Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
  • Blackboard software
  • ServiceNow
  • Transact-SQL

Network monitoring software

  • Nagios
  • Quest Foglight
  • Remote monitoring software
  • Wireshark

Development environment software

  • Apache Kafka
  • Apache Maven
  • Go
  • Microsoft PowerShell

Operating system software

  • Bash
  • Microsoft Windows Server
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux
  • UNIX Shell

Data base management system software

  • Amazon DynamoDB
  • Apache Hive
  • Elasticsearch
  • Oracle PL/SQL

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Dynamics GP
  • NetSuite ERP
  • SAP software

Object or component oriented development software

  • C#
  • jQuery
  • Perl
  • Swift

Administration software

  • Cisco Systems CiscoWorks
  • Hewlett-Packard HP Network Node Manager
  • Network management software
  • Network shutdown software

Configuration management software

  • Chef
  • Patch and update management software
  • Perforce Helix software
  • Puppet

Enterprise application integration software

  • Extensible markup language XML
  • IBM InfoSphere DataStage
  • Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services SSIS
  • Systems integration software

Transaction security and virus protection software

  • Honeypot
  • McAfee
  • NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
  • Root kit detection software

Application server software

  • Docker
  • GitHub
  • Oracle WebLogic Server
  • Red Hat OpenShift

Business intelligence and data analysis software

  • Apache Spark
  • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
  • Tableau

Access software

  • Access management software
  • Citrix cloud computing software
  • Mac HelpMate
  • Remote desktop control software

Network security or virtual private network VPN management software

  • Intrusion prevention system IPS
  • Network and system vulnerability assessment software
  • OpenService Open NerveCenter
  • Security incident management software

Internet directory services software

  • Active directory software
  • Domain name system DNS
  • Microsoft Active Directory
  • Network addressable storage NAS software

Project management software

  • Atlassian Confluence
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Electronic mail software

  • IBM Notes
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft Outlook

Desktop communications software

  • ParentSquare
  • Secure shell SSH software
  • Skype

Network operating system enhancement software

  • Management information base MIB software
  • Network, server and operating system optimization software
  • Operating system process control software

Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software

  • Firewall software
  • Network intrusion detection software
  • Virtual private networking VPN software

Analytical or scientific software

  • Root cause analysis software
  • SAS
  • StataCorp Stata

Cloud-based management software

  • Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
  • IBM WebSphere
  • Splunk Enterprise

Geographic information system

  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Geographic information system GIS software

Object oriented data base management software

  • Hibernate ORM
  • PostgreSQL

Document management software

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft SharePoint

File versioning software

  • Apache Subversion SVN
  • Git

Financial analysis software

  • Delphi Technology
  • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA

Data base reporting software

  • Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
  • SAP Crystal Reports

Human resources software

  • Human resource management software HRMS
  • Oracle Taleo

Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software

  • Open source routing protocols OSPF
  • Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software

Backup or archival software

  • System and data disaster recovery software
  • Veritas NetBackup

Program testing software

  • Computer system diagnostics software
  • Hewlett Packard LoadRunner

Web page creation and editing software

  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Google Sites

Storage networking software

  • Amazon Simple Storage Service S3
  • Storage area network SAN software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Metadata management software

  • Quest Erwin Data Modeler

Medical software

  • Epic Systems

Pattern design software

  • Diagramming software

Content workflow software

  • Atlassian JIRA

Authentication server software

  • Password management software

Helpdesk or call center software

  • Help desk software

Enterprise system management software

  • IBM Power Systems software

Expert system software

  • Ansible software

Clustering software

  • VMware

Computer based training software

  • Moodle

Video conferencing software

  • Cisco Webex

Communications server software

  • IBM Domino

Desktop publishing software

  • Microsoft Publisher

Portal server software

  • Apache HTTP Server

Gateway software

  • Microsoft Windows Terminal Services Access Manager

Customer relationship management CRM software

  • Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge

Transaction server software

  • Customer information control system CICS

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office software

Graphical user interface development software

  • TKSoftware RCM software

Sales and marketing software

  • Marketo Marketing Automation

Platform interconnectivity software

  • Virtual network computing VNC software

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Cloud-based protection or security software

  • SolarWinds

Computer imaging software

  • Symantec Ghost Solution Suite

Requirements analysis and system architecture software

  • Requirements management software

Industrial control software

  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software

Switch or router software

  • Border Gateway Protocol BGP

Process mapping and design software

  • Microsoft Visio

Compiler and decompiler software

  • Command interpreters
Detailed Work Activities
Work Styles
Attention to Detail
89

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

Dependability
88

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

Cautiousness
78

A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

Integrity
77

A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

Intellectual Curiosity
73

A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

Adaptability
65

A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

Perseverance
59

A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

Achievement Orientation
58

A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

Initiative
54

A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Stress Tolerance
53

A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

Self-Control
48

A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

Tolerance for Ambiguity
44

A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

Innovation
43

A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Self-Confidence
42

A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

Cooperation
39

A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

Sincerity
19

A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

Leadership Orientation
18

A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Optimism
11

A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Social Orientation
11

A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

Humility
7

A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Empathy
4

A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Reference

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET Career Exploration Tools by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the O*NET Tools Developer License. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Beesla has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.