Computer Systems Administrators

Career summary

#review 3/21/19 lh

Computer systems administrators monitor and maintain computer systems and networks. They plan, coordinate, and direct the computer-related activities of an organization. They make sure all parts of a computer system work to meet the organization's goals. They talk to management and staff to determine their computer needs. They research ways to improve the system or develop a new one.

Computer systems administrators may direct the work of other computer specialists such as analysts, programmers, and technicians. They help and work with a variety of people within an organization.

Computer systems administrators make sure individual computer stations, printers, and other equipment link to the main server. They adjust hardware to better meet user needs. They keep the computer system safe from outside viruses or from hackers by selecting and installing firewalls. They perform data backups and disaster recovery if data is lost.

Computer system administrators provide daily support for software users. They may train people how to use software or help troubleshoot problems. They research new software that the organization can use, or make adjustments to current software so it is more efficient.

Related careers

This career is part of the Information Technology cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Computer and Information Systems Managers
• Computer Engineers
• Computer Network Architects
• Computer Network Support Specialists
• Computer Operators
• Computer Programmers
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Computer User Support Specialists
• Database Administrators
• Information Security Analysts
• Web Developers

Military careers

• Computer Systems Officers
• Computer Systems Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to computer systems administrators.

• Maintain and administer computer networks and related equipment, including hardware and software.
• Plan and carry out security measures for system, including data backup.
• Diagnose hardware and software problems.
• Make sure all parts of a computer system work properly.
• Configure, monitor, and maintain e-mail and virus protection software.
• Keep records of system performance, tests, and repairs.
• Load computer tapes and disks and install software.
• Design, configure, and test computer hardware and software.
• Work with network users to solve problems.
• Train people how to use the computer system.
• Look for ways to change the system to better meet user needs.
• Recommend changes and new technology, such as equipment and software, to improve system.
• Keep track of equipment and parts inventories.
• Help employees select and order hardware and software.

Common work activities

Computer systems administrators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Get information needed to do the job
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Process information
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Document and record information
• Analyze data or information
• Think creatively
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Schedule work and activities
• Develop goals and strategies
• Control machines and processes
• Teach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, computer systems administrators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction. They talk with employees and managers often about computer needs.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They also communicate by letters and memos, but less often.
• Often work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other workers.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• May work near others. They often share the same work space with other employees.
• Sometimes are exposed to loud sounds and noise levels, such as from servers and computer equipment.

Work performance

• Must be very exact and accurate when completing the job. Errors affect everyone using the computer system.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere. They must abide by strict weekly deadlines.
• Make most decisions and set daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Often repeat the same activities, such as using a computer.
• Make decisions that impact others and work outcomes.

Hours/travel

• Work a regular, set schedule.
• Most work full time. Overtime is common.
• May sometimes be on-call in case of a computer-related emergency.

Physical demands

Computer systems administrators frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for computer systems administrators to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for computer systems administrators to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Determine the distance between objects.

Skills and abilities

Computer systems administrators need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Write computer programs.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Repair machines or systems.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Computer Science
• Computer Systems Analysis
• Computer Systems Networking and Administration
• Information Science

Other programs of study to consider

• Computer Engineering
• Computer Installation and Repair
• Computer Programming
• Computer Systems Technology
• Informatics

Training

To work as a computer systems administrator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree.

Education after high school

Most new computer systems administrators have at least a bachelor's degree. In the past, formal training was not important and analysts learned on the job. Now, with increasingly complex computing systems and a growing number of college-trained applicants, a bachelor's degree is the usual way to prepare.

The most common areas of study are computer science, information science, and management information systems (MIS). However, you can have a bachelor's degree in any area as long as you take computer courses.

Work experience

Some people work their way up to this occupation. They work in several computer jobs, learning new skills at each one. Eventually, you have enough knowledge to move into a systems administrator position. You can also develop advanced computer skills in other occupations and then transfer over to systems analysis.

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

New graduates may work under the guidance of experienced administrators. You usually start out performing routine maintenance of computer systems and other "behind the scenes" work. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. You get more independence and responsibility as you gain knowledge and experience. Training may last up to three months.

Because of the fast changing nature of this field, employers often offer training in the newest computer technologies, languages, and applications.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be computer systems specialists. Training lasts from seven to 13 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Some branches of the military train people to be computer systems officers. Training lasts from five to 18 weeks, depending on your specialty. You need at least a bachelor's degree to enter this military occupation.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Computer systems administrators need excellent math skills. Take as many advanced math courses as you can.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science
• Network Technology

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree. They generally prefer candidates with a computer-related degree. However, applicants with other majors and computer experience are also hired. Many employers promote programmers or other computer professionals within their company.

For more complex jobs, employers prefer to hire applicants who have a graduate degree. Sometimes a master's degree in computer science or engineering is enough. A PhD is required for jobs in research laboratories or universities. It is difficult to qualify for this type of position with only a bachelor's degree. However, requirements for computer jobs vary because employers' preferences depend upon the work to be done.

Many employers prefer candidates who are knowledgeable about e-commerce and Internet security. This is because many businesses buy and sell products online.

Costs to workers

Some workers join professional associations, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Many employers prefer applicants with certification in different computer systems. Types of certification and their requirements vary.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Network and Computer Systems Administrators 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and project difficulty. For example, large companies usually pay more than small companies. In addition, administrators are usually paid more for working on high-security projects.

Most computer systems administrators who work full time receive benefits. These usually include health insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, and a retirement plan. Some employers offer stock in their company or pay for continuing education courses.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Computer systems design companies
• Universities and colleges
• Finance and insurance agencies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be high as companies improve existing computer operations. Companies are also investing in newer, faster, and mobile technologies. Growth will be highest at companies that provide cloud-computing technology.

In addition, growth in this occupation is expected in the health care industry as it moves to electronic medical records and other advanced technologies. More administrators will be needed to manage computer systems and networks in hospitals.

Other resources

American Society for Industrial Security 
1625 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.519.6200

Association for Computing Machinery 
1601 Broadway, 10th Floor1
New York, NY 10019-7434
800.342.6626
212.626.0500

Association for Women in Computing - Puget Sound Chapter 
3743 S. 170th Street
Sea-Tac, WA 98188

Computing Technology Industry Association 
3500 Lacey Road, Suite 100
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630.678.8300

IEEE Computer Society 
2001 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.371.0101

Information Technology Industry Council 
1101 K Street NW, Suite 610
Washington, DC 20005
202.737.8888

Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) 
244 S Randall Road #116
Elgin, IL 60123
847.299.4227

NaSPA: the Network and System Professionals Association 

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Telecommunications Industry Association 
1320 North Courthouse Road, Suite 200
Arlington, VA 22201
703.907.7700

References

Career cluster

• Information Technology

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Network and Computer Systems Administrators (15-1142.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Manager, Computer Operations (169.167-082) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Network Administrator

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Business Professional