Network Administrator
StableKeeping an organisation's network infrastructure available, performant, and secure
Network Administrator Salary
United Kingdom
£35,000 – £60,000
United States
$60,000 – $105,000
Varies by location, sector, and experience. Last updated: 2025.
What Is a Network Administrator?
A Network Administrator manages and maintains the network infrastructure that keeps an organisation connected — LANs, WANs, wireless networks, firewalls, switches, and routers. The role is responsible for ensuring network availability, performance, and security across the office, data centre, and increasingly the cloud. Network Admins work with equipment and platforms from vendors including Cisco, Juniper, and Palo Alto, and use network monitoring tools such as SolarWinds or PRTG to maintain visibility across the environment.
Network Admins handle day-to-day network operations: configuring devices, troubleshooting connectivity issues, managing access controls, and monitoring traffic for anomalies. They work closely with infrastructure, security, and IT support teams. In smaller organisations the role often covers the full network stack; in larger ones it sits within a dedicated network engineering function. The role is common in sectors with complex, distributed, or high-availability network requirements — financial services, healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, and government all maintain substantial network estates. Certifications such as Cisco CCNA and CCNP are widely recognised markers of competence.
What Does a Network Administrator Do?
- Configure and maintain switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless access points across the organisation's network estate
- Monitor network performance and investigate connectivity and latency issues to restore service and prevent recurrence
- Manage VLANs, subnets, and IP address allocation to maintain a structured and auditable network topology
- Administer VPN configurations for remote access and site-to-site connections, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity
- Respond to network incidents, carrying out root cause analysis and implementing fixes to prevent recurrence
- Document network topology, device configurations, and change records to support audit and troubleshooting activities
Network Administrator Skills
Hard Skills
- Network Configuration
- Firewall Management
- Network Security
- Routing and Switching
- VPN Configuration
- Network Monitoring
- Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
- Access Control Management
- Performance Monitoring
- VLAN Management
Soft Skills
- Methodical ApproachStructured configuration and change procedures
- Attention to DetailTraffic monitoring and access control accuracy
- Problem SolvingIsolating and resolving connectivity faults
- Reliability MindsetMaintaining network availability under pressure
- CollaborationCoordinating with infrastructure and security teams
- CommunicationDocumenting network changes for audit and handover
Network Administrator Tools & Software
How to Become a Network Administrator
Typical Route
Most entrants hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or Information Technology. ABET-accredited programs at schools including the University of Cincinnati, Purdue University, and Rochester Institute of Technology offer network engineering and infrastructure content aligned with this role. An MS in Network Engineering or Cybersecurity supports specialist progression. Many Network Administrators enter through IT support or helpdesk roles and build network skills through certifications and hands-on experience.
Alternative Route
Cisco CCNA is the most widely recognised entry credential and is expected by most US employers. CompTIA Network+ provides a vendor-neutral foundation for candidates starting out. Advanced credentials — Cisco CCNP, Palo Alto PCNSE, and Fortinet NSE — support progression into senior and specialist roles. Cisco Networking Academy and CBT Nuggets deliver structured CCNA and Network+ preparation. GNS3 and Cisco Packet Tracer are widely used for home-lab practice, and GI Bill funding is accepted by several networking bootcamp providers.
A Day in the Life of a Network Administrator
Morning
Afternoon
Network Administrator Career Path
IT Support / Junior Net Admin
0–2 yrs
Network Administrator
2–4 yrs
Senior Network Admin
4–6 yrs
Network Engineer
6+ yrs
Network Architect
9+ yrs
Network Administrator Job Outlook
Network administration is a consistent hiring area across enterprise, public sector, and managed service providers. The role is evolving — cloud networking, software-defined networking, and automation skills are increasingly expected alongside traditional hardware knowledge, and practitioners who develop these areas are better positioned for progression and broader market access. Demand is unlikely to contract significantly given the volume of hybrid infrastructure still in operation, but purely hardware-focused administrators face a gradually narrowing opportunity set.