The median pay for Network and Computer Systems Administrators is $99,130 a year ($47.66/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to fall 4.1% through 2035, with about 13,400 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 15-1244
- Computer and Mathematical
- Last updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
Network and Computer Systems Administrator in four numbers
- Median pay
- $99,130a year, or $47.66/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $63KTop 10% $155K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -4.1%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−4.1%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −4.1% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 13,400323,600 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025323.6K
- Projected 2035310.4K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 323.6K Projected 2035 310.4K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
Also advertised as: LAN Administrator (Local Area Network Administrator), LAN Specialist (Local Area Network Specialist), Network Administrator (Network Admin), Network Analyst, Network Coordinator, Network Engineer.
Pay
How much do network and computer systems administrators make?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators earn a median of $99,130 a year ($47.66 an hour, or about $8,260 a month); the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $62,640 and the top 10% more than $155,050 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The best-paying state is Maryland, with a median of $118,290. See Network and computer systems administrator salary in Maryland and every other state. By city, pay is highest around San Jose ($136,410 average): salary in every city.
Every network and computer systems administrator in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$99,130
Middle half earn $78,010 to $126,640
- 10th
- $62,640
- 25th
- $78,010
- 75th
- $126,640
- 90th
- $155,050
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $62,640 |
| 25th | $78,010 |
| Median | $99,130 |
| 75th | $126,640 |
| 90th | $155,050 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $99,130
- Median hourly wage
- $47.66/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $103,680
- People employed
- 314,340
Versus all US occupations
At $99,130, Network and Computer Systems Administrators earn 94% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $48,150 a year.
Versus computer and mathematical occupations
Inside the Computer and Mathematical group, where the middle occupation pays $116,580, this is 15% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $155,050 or more while the bottom 10% earn $62,640, a gap of 2.5×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 72% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Maryland pays the most at $118,290, and still leads at $112,701 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay network and computer systems administrators the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Maryland | $118,290 | $112,701 | 9,230 |
| 2New Jersey | $116,420 | $106,999 | 9,280 |
| 3Massachusetts | $110,980 | $104,939 | 8,270 |
| 4District of Columbia | $110,970 | $100,973 | 1,320 |
| 5Virginia | $109,610 | $108,413 | 12,430 |
| 6California | $106,440 | $96,134 | 26,170 |
| 7Connecticut | $105,880 | $102,191 | 2,170 |
| 8New York | $105,810 | $98,044 | 18,220 |
| 9Washington | $103,910 | $97,100 | 8,600 |
| 10Nevada | $103,440 | $103,462 | 1,980 |
Job outlook
Is network and computer systems administrator a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -4.1% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | −4.1% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Network and Computer Systems Administrators to change -4.1% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 13,200 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 13,400 openings are projected each year, 4.1% of the 323,600 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Network and computer systems administrators will continue to be needed throughout the economy to maintain and upgrade computer networks. However, some of their tasks are increasingly being done by software developers focused on DevOps (development operations), and some tasks are being outsourced to companies who provide Networks-as-a-Service. Additionally, systems administrators are increasingly automating routine tasks.
AI exposure: very high
BLS places this occupation in its very high relative AI exposure category, among the occupations most exposed to current AI.
Getting in
How to become a network and computer systems administrator
To enter the occupation, network and computer systems administrators typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science. Others may require a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Medium preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
Full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entryThe work
What does a network and computer systems administrator do?
Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.
Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), data communication networks, operating systems, and servers.
Day-to-day tasks
- 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.
- Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
- Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
- Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
- Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
- Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
- Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most network and computer systems administrators work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Administrators may need to work evenings, nights, or weekends to monitor, maintain, or update networks and systems.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where network and computer systems administrators work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Computer systems design and related services16%
- Educational services; state, local, and private13%
- Finance and insurance9%
- Information7%
- Management of companies and enterprises7%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Computer systems design and related services | 16% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 13% |
| Finance and insurance | 9% |
| Information | 7% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 7% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening4.0
- Reading Comprehension3.9
- Critical Thinking3.9
- Monitoring3.9
- Speaking3.3
- Active Learning3.1
- Writing3.0
- Learning Strategies3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 4.0 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 |
| Monitoring | 3.9 |
| Speaking | 3.3 |
| Active Learning | 3.1 |
| Writing | 3.0 |
| Learning Strategies | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Troubleshooting4.0
- Judgment and Decision Making4.0
- Systems Analysis4.0
- Systems Evaluation4.0
- Complex Problem Solving3.9
- Programming3.5
- Operations Monitoring3.5
- Quality Control Analysis3.4
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 4.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 4.0 |
| Systems Analysis | 4.0 |
| Systems Evaluation | 4.0 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.9 |
| Programming | 3.5 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.5 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Application server software · in demand
- Business intelligence and data analysis software · in demand
- Cloud-based management software · in demand
- Configuration management software · in demand
- Content workflow software · in demand
- Data base management system software · in demand
- Data base reporting software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Development environment software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
The workforce
Who works as a network and computer systems administrator?
Women make up 18.2% of network and computer systems administrators, against 47.1% of all employed people: a heavily male-dominated occupation.
Only 17.5% are 55 or older (23.2% across all jobs): a young workforce.
The median worker is 43.8 years old (all workers: 42.1).
- Women
- 18.2%All workers 47.1% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Median age
- 43.8All workers 42.1 · BLS CPS, 2025
- Aged 55+
- 17.5%All workers 23.2% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Employed (CPS)
- 154,000BLS CPS, 2025
| Group | Share of network and computer systems administrators | All employed people |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 18.2% | 47.1% |
| White | 70.3% | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 17.3% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 8.5% | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 15.3% | 20.0% |
| Aged 55 and over | 17.5% | 23.2% |
| Aged 16 to 24 | 2.6% | 12.2% |
Current Population Survey annual averages, 2025 (BLS tables 11 and 11b). Race groups can overlap with Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, so they do not sum to 100%.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a network and computer systems administrator?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Network and Computer Systems Administrator |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 4 |
| Investigative | 4 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
- Conventional6.2
- Realistic4.2
- Investigative4.0
- Enterprising3.5
- Social2.2
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Network and Computer Systems Administrator
O*NET related occupations
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
More computer and mathematical careers
Median annual pay, with network and computer systems administrators highlighted
- Software Developer$135,980
- Actuary$130,000
- Data Scientist$120,230
- Business Intelligence Analyst$120,230
- Database Administrator$104,620
- Web Designer$104,000
- Computer Programmer$100,390
- Network and Computer Systems Administrator$99,130
- Web Developer$92,650
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $135,980 |
| Actuary | $130,000 |
| Data Scientist | $120,230 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | $120,230 |
| Database Administrator | $104,620 |
| Web Designer | $104,000 |
| Computer Programmer | $100,390 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $99,130 |
| Web Developer | $92,650 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Network and Computer Systems Administrator appears on
Questions
Network and Computer Systems Administrator: frequently asked questions
How much do network and computer systems administrators make?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators earn a median of $99,130 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 94% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $47.66/hr. The middle half earn between $78,010 and $126,640. The top 10% earn $155,050 or more.
How much do network and computer systems administrators make an hour?
The median hourly wage for network and computer systems administrators is $47.66 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). On a full-year basis the $99,130 annual median works out to about $8,260 a month before tax.
What is the starting salary for a network and computer systems administrator?
BLS does not publish a starting salary. The nearest measure is the low end of the pay range: the lowest-paid 10% of network and computer systems administrators earn less than $62,640 a year and the bottom quarter less than $78,010 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New workers often start near that end, but where a particular job starts depends on the employer, the state and the credentials you bring, so read these as the bottom of the range rather than a guaranteed entry wage.
Do network and computer systems administrators make $100k?
Some do. $100,000 sits between the median ($99,130) and the 75th percentile ($126,640), so roughly a quarter to a half of network and computer systems administrators earn more than that (BLS OEWS, May 2025). In 18 states the median itself is above $100,000: Maryland ($118,290), New Jersey ($116,420), Massachusetts ($110,980), District of Columbia ($110,970), and 14 more.
Which states pay network and computer systems administrators the most?
The highest state medians for Network and Computer Systems Administrators are Maryland ($118,290), New Jersey ($116,420), Massachusetts ($110,980) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What kind of network and computer systems administrator earns the most?
BLS does not split network and computer systems administrators' pay by specialty or employer, but its range shows how far the top end runs: the highest-paid 10% earn more than $155,050, against a median of $99,130 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Location moves pay the most in the published data: the best-paying states are Maryland ($118,290), New Jersey ($116,420), Massachusetts ($110,980).
Do you need a degree to become a network and computer systems administrator?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Network and Computer Systems Administrators, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as medium preparation.
How long does it take to become a network and computer systems administrator?
BLS does not publish a fixed length; it depends on the route. What it does publish: the typical way in for network and computer systems administrators is a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes the work as needing medium preparation.
Is network and computer systems administrator a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 4.1% over 2025–2035, a loss of 13,200 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 13,400 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a network and computer systems administrator do?
Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), data communication networks, operating systems, and servers. A core O*NET task: perform data backups and disaster recovery operations. Employers most often ask for Analytical or scientific software, Application server software, Business intelligence and data analysis software.
Do network and computer systems administrators work 40 hours a week?
Yes, for most. In O*NET's survey of people in the job, 40% of network and computer systems administrators usually work more than 40 hours a week, 57% work exactly 40 and 3% work fewer. 87% say their schedule is regular and 13% irregular. Source: O*NET 31.0 Database, Work Context.
What personality type suits a network and computer systems administrator?
O*NET scores Network and Computer Systems Administrators highest on the Conventional, Realistic and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.
What percentage of network and computer systems administrators are women?
Women make up 18.2% of network and computer systems administrators, against 47.1% of all employed people: a heavily male-dominated occupation. Only 17.5% are 55 or older (23.2% across all jobs): a young workforce. The median worker is 43.8 years old (all workers: 42.1). Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2025 annual averages.