Shigoto Zukan
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How to become network and computer systems administratorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States IT & Software Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$99,130
25th–75th pct. $78,010–$126,640
Top pay (est.)
$201,600
Top 10% $155,050
Pay in 5 years
$108,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$117,600est.
$101,200–$136,600
Outlook score
31/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
79%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
−4.1%
13K openings / yr

How to become network and computer systems administrators

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Key skills

Systems Evaluation
4.4
Judgment and Decision Making
4.1
Troubleshooting
4.1
Active Listening
4.0
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Complex Problem Solving
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Systems Analysis
4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics
5.8
Telecommunications
4.5
Administrative
4.2
Customer and Personal Service
4.1
English Language
3.5
Administration and Management
3.5
Engineering and Technology
3.2
Design
2.9

What the work involves

Working with ComputersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationDocumenting/Recording InformationGetting InformationThinking Creatively

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionNear VisionDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityInformation Ordering

Training before entry

1–3 months
27%
6–12 months
20%
1–2 years
13%
2–4 years
13%
None / short demo
10%
Up to 1 month
10%
3–6 months
7%

Related work experience

2–4 years
43%
4–6 years
20%
1–2 years
17%
6–12 months
7%
6–8 years
7%
Over 10 years
3%
Up to 1 month
3%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as network and computer systems administrators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.