Hiring Network and Computer Systems Administrators

What do network and computer systems administrators do?

• 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.
• Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and where changes will be needed in the future.

Core tasks, O*NET OnLine, 15-1244.00.

What does it take to become one?

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.

O*NET Job Zone 4, SVP (7.0 to < 8.0). O*NET OnLine.

Employers commonly list experience with Amazon Web Services AWS software, Ansible software, Bash, Firewall software, Linux, Microsoft Active Directory for this role.

What do network and computer systems administrators get paid?

BLS OEWS, May 2025 publishes a wage for network and computer systems administrators in 92 of the metro areas in this build. The median ranges from $72,530 to $133,360 a year depending on the metro, with a midpoint of $95,600. This is what employers pay, place of work, not a single national figure and not what any one person takes home.

BLS OEWS, BLS OEWS, May 2025, SOC 15-1244.

What does hiring one cost?

The same as any role: tier, not location or salary, sets the fee. Across all six tiers the published range is $6,240 to $54,340 per search. For scale, the highest published median for network and computer systems administrators in this build is $133,360. A contingency firm hiring at that level would bill roughly $26,672 to $40,008 on the first year salary alone, 20 to 30%.

Frequently asked

How fast can a network and computer systems administrators search fill?

23 to 35 days, 2 to 3x faster than a typical contingency search, per the recruiting provider's published figures.

What if the hire does not work out?

A 45-day replacement guarantee, at 50% off a repeat search for the same role.