What Are Systems Administrator Jobs Like?
What is it like to have systems administrator jobs?
Systems administrators work in the information technology industry, an important part of our society that allows for the transmission, storage and analysis of information. They are a part of the broader network and computer systems administrators sector, which is responsible for designing, installing, and supporting a company's computer systems.
These employees work to maintain the efficiency of a company's computer systems. This is done by making sure the systems allow for computers, networks, and software to work together properly. Systems administrators also troubleshoot problems and ensure that computer systems are secure, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Applicants for system administrator jobs are usually required to have a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems. However, some employers are willing to hire candidates who have an associate degree or professional certification and some related work experience. Either way, most of these employees begin as computer support specialists and work their way up to systems administrator.
There were about 961,200 computer network, systems, and database administrators during 2008, and about 339,500 of those positions were for network and computer systems administrators. Employment in the sector as a whole should grow by 30 percent by 2018, while employment of network and computer systems administrators alone is expected to increase by 23 percent.
About 14 percent of these employees work in computer systems design and related services; while others work for telecommunications companies, financial firms, insurance providers, business management organizations, schools, and government agencies; and about 7 percent are self-employed.
The median wage for network and computer systems administrators during 2008 was $66,310 per hour. That year the middle 50 percent of workers earned between $51,690 per year and $84,110 per year, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,000 per year, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,070 per year.