Your Next Move: Systems Administrator

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.

Systems administrators keep a company’s IT systems running. Their critical role ensures that employees can access what they need when they need it. (And by the way, today is SysAdmin Day! Thank you to all of our SysAdmins who keep our organizations up and running!) Keep reading to find out if a career in systems administration is right for you.

What Is a Systems Administrator?

A systems administrator’s responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the company hardware and software are working as intended.
• Installing all the applications needed to support the organization.
• Updating systems when new software is released.
• Maintaining user accounts and access.

Some functions of a systems administrator may overlap with the company’s network administrator, depending on the size of the company. While a network administrator’s primary focus is the company’s servers and network, a systems administrator primarily focuses on other working parts of the IT system, including the computers themselves and software.

How to Become a Systems Administrator

Most employers look for systems administrator with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering or a related field. Employers usually require three to five years of experience for systems administration positions. Adding certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ will show employers you have the current skills to be successful as a systems administrator. Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap for a comprehensive list of certifications that can help you become a systems administrator.

The Details

Systems Administrator Salary Range

$48,870 to $127,610 with a median annual wage of $79,700 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Systems Administrator Job Outlook

From 2014 to 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase of 8 percent for network administrators, with 30,200 net new jobs expected during that 10-year period.

Job Titles Related to Systems Administration

• Network Administrator
• IT Administrator
• Systems Development Manager
• IT Systems Manager

Will your next move be systems administrator? If so, check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap, and discover how to get there.