Network Administrator

Kaiwhakahaere Whatunga

This job is sometimes referred to by alternative titles

Network administrators design, install, configure and monitor the computer hardware and software systems that make up a computer network. Networks can range from local area networks in one building, to wide-area networks connecting multiple offices across the world.

Pay

Network administrators earn an average of

$50K-$78K per year

Source: AbsoluteIT, 'Remuneration Report', July 2015.

Job opportunities

Chances of getting a job as a network administrator are good due to a shortage of workers.

Length of training

1-3

1-3 years of training usually required

About the job

Pay

Pay for network administrators varies. According to an AbsoluteIT salary survey, network administrators in the:

highest-paid group earned an average of $78,000 a year
middle pay range earned an average of $64,000
lowest-paid group earned an average of $50,000.

Network administrators working as contractors earn an average of $50 to $95 an hour.

Source: AbsoluteIT, 'Remuneration Report', July 2015.

(This information is a guide only. Find out more about the figures and diagrams in our job information)

What you will do

Network administrators may do some or all of the following:

design and configure a linked computer network system
install cabling, routers, switches, servers, and wifi devices
maintain the network, identify faults, and fix problems
monitor the network to ensure it is secure and has enough capacity to cope with the needs of the organisation
assess and recommend improvements to the network and related software
provide support and technical assistance to network users.

Skills and knowledge

Network administrators need to have knowledge of:

computer systems, software and technology
networking systems, methods, and devices
project management.

Working conditions

Network administrators:

usually work full time and often work evenings and weekends, or may be on call
work in offices in conditions that may be stressful because they sometimes work to strict deadlines
may travel locally or overseas to meet clients.

How to enter the job

Entry requirements

To become a network administrator you usually need a diploma or degree in networking, systems administration, computer science or information systems.

Network administrators gain many skills on the job and may attend a wide range of courses to update their knowledge and skills.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter tertiary training. Useful school subjects include computing/digital technologies, maths, physics and English.

Personal requirements

Network administrators need to be:

methodical, accurate and patient
able to work well under pressure, and meet deadlines
able to work well as part of a team, and with minimal supervision
skilled at problem-solving
skilled at verbal and written communication.

Useful experience

Useful experience for network administrators includes:

technical computer work
computer helpdesk and support work
customer service.

Physical requirements

Network administrators spend a lot of time using computers, so it is important that they know how to use computer equipment properly to avoid occupational overuse syndrome (OOS).

Registration

Network administrators may choose to become certified through the Information Technology Certified Professional scheme.

Information Technology Certified Professional website - information about becoming certified

Find out more about training

Futureintech: (04) 473 2023 - enquiries@futureintech.org.nz - www.futureintech.org.nz/
Institute of IT Professionals: 0800 252 255 - info@iitp.org.nz - www.iitp.org.nz
New Zealand Technology Industry Association (NZTIA): +64 9 475 0204 - info@nztech.org.nz - www.nztech.org.nz

Check out related courses

Job opportunities

What are the chances of getting a job?

Demand for network administrators is high because organisations are increasingly relying on complex computer networks to operate effectively. Network administrators are needed to design and maintain these networks.

Shortage of network administrators

While demand for network administrators is expected to remain strong, the number of IT trainees coming through is insufficient to meet demand. The number of students studying information technology fell by more than 20% between 2008 and 2014.

A survey of IT employers in February 2015 reported that 79% of employers were planning to hire additional staff. However, 28% of employers also reported greater difficulty finding staff in 2015 than in 2014.

As a result of these factors, network administrator appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled network engineers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

Types of employers varied

Employers of network administrators include:

private companies that provide computer, database and network services to clients
government departments
telecommunications companies.

Sources

AbsoluteIT, 'Employer Insight Report', February 2015, (www.itsalaries.co.nz).
AbsoluteIT, 'Remuneration Report', July 2015, (www.itsalaries.co.nz).
Hudson Recruitment, 'Hudson Report, Q3, 2015', 2015, (nz.hudson.com).
Hudson Recruitment, 'New Zealand Hiring Expectations – Quarter 3, 2015', 2015, (nz.hudson.com).
Immigration New Zealand, 'Long-term Skill Shortage List', July 2015, accessed January 2016, (www.immigration.govt.nz).
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, '2006-2014 Occupation Data' (prepared for Careers New Zealand), 2015.
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, 'Information and Communications Technology Report – 2015', 2015, (www.mbie.govt.nz).

Progression and specialisations

Network administrators may progress to become enterprise architects (people who define how IT will provide benefit for the business), managers, consultants, or run their own businesses.