With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 6% increase in jobs for network and system administrators by 2026, careers in these areas are growing. Although their job descriptions are similar, there are important differences ranging from certification paths to daily responsibilities. Knowing these differences will help to make the right career decision. Below is a brief overview about the differences between these two roles and the career paths they lead.
Perspectives on the job
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2026, network and computer systems administrators are expected to increase 20 percent. Cloud services may increase the demand for computer systems administrators. Network administrators may also be in demand due to the increasing use of mobile devices within businesses. The job outlook for this role is positive, but the best candidates will need a bachelor's degree either in computer network and system administration, computer science, computer science, or another related field. Furthermore, network administrators need to be up-to-date in technology.
Computer systems and networks are constantly changing, and administrators need to stay up-to-date with the latest technological developments. Some employers prefer candidates with certifications over a bachelor's. Two popular certifications that are highly sought-after for these jobs include Novell Certified Network Administrator, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, and Engineer. Other certifications can include CompTIA's A+ or Network+ or Sun's Certified Network Administrator.
Salary
The annual salary for a Network & Computer administrator can range between $56,222 and $111613. While the median salary is $68,448 per year, the middle 50% earns between $64,548 and $67,932. The highest earners make more than $111613. That means the average Network & Computer systems administrator makes approximately $64,326 per year. For those who are in the middle income bracket, this amount equates to $2680 per paycheck.
The national average of 67,500 network administrators and computer systems managers was employed in 2014. This number is much higher than the average national number. California employed the most network administrators, at 39.050. The state of Maryland was the least likely to have a network administrator job market, but has some of the highest salaries. The national average salary for Network System Administrators is $88,410, while Texas network administrators earn $35,830.
Education requirements
The minimum education requirements for network or computer system administrators is a bachelor's in information science, computer science or a related field. Some positions may require professional certification, an associate's degree or certificate. Computer systems administrators will often be required to obtain certification from the manufacturer. Employers often require computer system administrators to have more than a bachelor's in order to be considered for a job.
Network and computer system administrators must be able communicate with people who don't understand the technical complexities of computer networks. They should also be able do multiple tasks simultaneously, since many tasks call for them to be multitasking. A network administrator or computer system administrator must be able solve and troubleshoot issues that arise from various software and hardware. To remain competitive and to grow in this field, education is crucial.
There are many career opportunities
System administrators are in high demand. They support company servers, and manage crashes. They can expect good pay and security in their careers. There are often advancement opportunities in this fast-paced industry. These are some of the benefits to being a systems administrator. Let's take a look at the best perks. A career as a network and computer system administrator can be lucrative and satisfying. Consider these reasons to be a system administrator if you are interested in a career as one.
Similar education requirements apply to network administrators and computer system administrators. This job typically requires a bachelor's degree. Candidate can also specialize on cybersecurity, database administration, and programming. Although no degree is required, it is beneficial to have some programming knowledge and an understanding of cause and effect. System administrators must have the ability to anticipate customer requirements and evaluate system behavior under different circumstances.
FAQ
How long does a cyber-security course take?
Cybersecurity training courses can last anywhere from six to twelve weeks, depending on how long you have available. You might consider an online course such as the University of East London Cyber Security Certificate Program. It meets three times per week for four weeks and is a short-term option. Alternatively, if you have several months free on your hands, then why not take advantage of the full-time immersive version of the program? You will receive a comprehensive education in cybersecurity through classroom lectures, assignments and group discussions. Everything is covered by the tuition fee, including accommodation, meals as well as textbooks and IT equipment. This makes it very affordable. In addition to learning the fundamentals of cybersecurity from scratch, students also learn practical skills such as penetration testing, network forensics, ethical hacking, incident response, and cryptography. A certificate is awarded upon graduation. Students are able to get started in cybersecurity careers. Hundreds of students have also been able secure jobs after completing the program.
The best part of a shorter course, however, is that it can be completed within less than two year. However, if you're interested in long-term training, then you'll probably have to put in more effort. You will most likely spend your time studying, but regular classes will be required. Additionally, a longer course will cover topics like vulnerability assessment as well as digital forensics and encryption. This route is possible, but you must dedicate at least six hours per week to your studies. Also, you will need to make a commitment to attend scheduled meetings both in person as well online via platforms like Skype and Google Hangouts. Depending on your location, these may be compulsory.
Course duration will depend on whether you choose a full-time or part-time program. Part-time programs are shorter and may only cover half the curriculum. Full-time programs are more intense and will therefore likely be spread over multiple semesters. Whichever way you go, make sure that your chosen course offers flexible scheduling options so that you can fit it into your busy schedule.
Is cybersecurity a lot of math?
It's an integral part our business and we know that it won't go away soon. As technology advances, we must keep up and make sure that we are protecting ourselves from cyber-attacks.
This includes finding ways that systems can be secured without being bogged down in technical details.
We also need to do this whilst keeping our costs under control. We are always looking for new ways to manage these issues.
We can miss out opportunities, make revenue mistakes, cause harm to our customers and even risk people's lives if it goes wrong. We must ensure that we use our time wisely.
We need to be careful not to get bogged down in cybersecurity when there are so many other things we should be focusing on.
We, therefore, have a dedicated team working solely on this issue. They are known as "cybersecurity experts" because they have a deep understanding of what is required and how to implement these changes.
Can I study IT online?
Yes, absolutely! You can take courses online from many sites. These courses are typically shorter than regular college classes and usually last for one week.
You can adapt the program to fit your schedule. It's usually possible to complete the entire program in just a few weeks.
You can even complete the course while traveling. All you need is a laptop or tablet PC and access to the internet.
Online courses are popular for two reasons. First, students who work full-time want to continue their education. Secondly, so many options are available now that it's almost impossible to choose which subject to study.
What can I do to earn my cyber security certification certificate?
Cyber security certifications are widely regarded as essential qualifications for any professional working within the IT sector. CompTIA Security+ (1) Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate – Security(2) and Cisco CCNA Security Certification(3) are the most well-known courses. These courses are all accepted by employers and can be used as a foundation. However, there are many other options such as Oracle Certified Professional – Java SE 7 Programmer (4) and IBM Information Systems Security Foundation (5).
The decision is yours. But make sure that you understand what you're doing.
What Are the Benefits of Learning Information Technology on Your Own?
Without paying for classes, you can learn information tech on your own. You'll have full access to all required resources, including software, books, online courses, and software. There will be no need for you to make time for class, travel, or interact with other students. You will also save money.
You may also want to consider becoming certified. Certification has many benefits, including professional development, job placement assistance and business networking.
There are many paths to certification in information tech. For example, you could enroll in a self-paced training program offered through a reputable vendor like Pearson VUE. Or you could join one of the hundreds of organizations offering certification exams such as CompTIA A+, Microsoft Office Specialist, Cisco Networking Academy, Dell Certified Advanced Technician, CompTIA Security+, and VMware Certified Professional: Data Center Virtualization.
What are the jobs available in information technology?
The most common career choices for people who want to enter IT-related careers include software developer, database administrator, network engineer, systems analyst, web designer/developer, help desk support technician, computer technician, etc. You can also find other IT jobs, like data entry clerks and sales representatives, customer service specialists, programmers, technical writers, graphic artists or office managers.
Most people work in the field once they have graduated from school. You might get an internship in a company while you are studying. Or, you might choose to take part in a formal apprenticeship. This gives you hands-on experience and allows for supervision during work placements.
Information Technology offers many career opportunities. Not all positions require a Bachelor's Degree, but many require a Postgraduate Qualification. A master's in Computer Science or Software Engineering (MSc), for instance, can give a person more qualifications than a bachelor.
Employers will prefer someone who has had previous experience. Ask your IT friend if they have any experience in IT. Also, check out job boards online to see if any vacancies exist. You can search by location, industry sector, type of role, skills required, salary range, etc.
When searching for a job, try using specialized sites such as Monster.com, Simply Hired.com, Career Builder, etc. Join professional associations, like the American Society for Training & Development ("ASTD"), the Association for Computing Machinery ("ACM"), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers [IEEE]), etc.
Which IT course would be best for beginners and why?
You should feel comfortable when selecting an online course.
People who feel confident and comfortable in learning environments are more likely to succeed.
Choose a provider that offers courses that are well-designed, easy-to use and affordable.
You want them also to have a great support staff, who can help with any problems you may have with your account.
Make sure you check all reviews from other students. They should tell you exactly what you need to know about the course.
Don't just rely on their ratings either - try to read some of the comments yourself to see how helpful the community is.
You don't need to pay for a course that doesn’t appear to be of benefit.
Statistics
- The United States has the largest share of the global IT industry, accounting for 42.3% in 2020, followed by Europe (27.9%), Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APJ; 21.6%), Latin America (1.7%), and Middle East & Africa (MEA; 1.0%) (comptia.co).
- The global information technology industry was valued at $4.8 trillion in 2020 and is expected to reach $5.2 trillion in 2021 (comptia.org).
- The top five companies hiring the most IT professionals are Amazon, Google, IBM, Intel, and Facebook (itnews.co).
- The top five countries contributing to the growth of the global IT industry are China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Germany (comptia.com).
- The IT occupation with the highest annual median salary is that of computer and information research scientists at $122,840, followed by computer network architects ($112,690), software developers ($107,510), information security analysts ($99,730), and database administrators ($93,750) (bls.gov).
- Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. These occupations are projected to add about 531,200 new jobs, with companies looking to fill their ranks with specialists in cloud computing, collating and management of business information, and cybersecurity (bls.gov).
External Links
How To
How can I prepare for an IT certification exam?
Study groups and tutors can be found in many organizations and colleges. You can often join an online group that discusses different topics. You can ask questions and get feedback. Some universities offer personalized tuition via Skype or FaceTime.
If you like face-to-face interaction, it might be worth considering joining a local university or college. Many schools offer compulsory classes that are free for anyone who is not a student. There are many options, but professional instructors only offer the main ones. The classes are small enough to allow for plenty one-on-1 interaction.
If you're studying at-home, it's a good idea to first read the official guide. Next, take time each day to study the material. You don't need to spend too much time solving each question. Instead, make short breaks between sections. This will allow you to concentrate on understanding the material and not memorizing facts.
Practice testing yourself frequently once you have it down. Make sure to practice your skills as often as you can.