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Network Administrator Salary
Network administrators are professionals whose job it is to oversee and maintain a computer network. The networks vary in size, from the smallest LAN to the global internet. They may connect a small business or a multi-national corporation. Today most businesses and organizations use some kind of a computer network to operate day to day. Accordingly, network administrators are in high demand all around the world. America alone employs well over 200,000 network administrators, who work for private consulting firms, businesses, and government organizations. The Bureau Labor Statistics projects that the network administrator salary will continue to grow over the next decade.
Network administrators possess skills that are critical for firms of all kinds. Their responsibilities are varied, yet they revolve around maintaining a functional and up-to-date computer network. Network administrators must have a broad base of technical knowledge, including knowledge of systems, programming, and software. Network administrators are typically the third tier of a technical team and do not often deal with user problems. Instead, they focus on troubleshooting the system, implementing new programs and upgrades, and maintaining backup and emergency systems.
Network Administrator Experience and Education
A solid education is critical for earning a high network administrator salary. While it is possible to get an associate’s degree from a technical school, your salary will be significantly higher with a BS in computer information systems or a related field. In fact, most companies will pass over an associate’s degree candidate in favor of a candidate that has earned a bachelor’s degree. Your degree should provide you with a strong background in math and computer science, and you should have experience working with computers. Most companies prefer someone who has experience managing networks, but some companies actually provide their own training and certification in network administration.
You can find network administrator jobs online, in newspapers, in computer industry magazines, and by networking. It is also possible that a company will recruit a current employee to train as a network administrator. A current employee is already familiar with the company culture. Regardless, in order to become a good network administrator, you must have good reasoning, organizational, and problem solving skills. You should also develop good communication skills, since you will be constantly encountering new problems and must occasionally relate complex and unfamiliar ideas. If you fit these criteria, then you may be a good candidate for this career.
Network Administrator Salary and Job Security
A network administrator salary averages around $60,000. This compares favorably against most other careers that require an undergraduate degree. According to several sources, a network administrator salary does not vary significantly, most make between $30,000 and $75,000. This includes bonuses of around $6,000 and profit sharing between $1,000 and $9,000. As with many other careers, a network administration salary depends largely on your experience and education. However, this is one job where performance is also a critical component of job evaluations. A good education will give you the skills to be successful in this field.
To know if this is the career for you, first assess your interests and work experience. Do you enjoy working with computers? Can you solve difficult problems quickly? Do you have the knowledge or the aptitude to run a team of technicians and computer engineers? If you are willing to work hard and dedicate time for gaining a solid foundation in computer systems and programs, then you will be successful as a network administrator. If this career seems to fit your interests, then you have a very good chance of being successful. Many people have found deep fulfillment and security working for a network administrator salary.
