Network Systems Administrator: Job Description and Salary

In the world of tech, network systems administrators play an important role. They are experts in computer hardware and operation, troubleshooting and handling network security issues.

With more sectors needing and using technology, network systems administrators have quickly become valued in fields other than IT. This is a career path with diverse job opportunities and room for growth. 

We’ll give you all the details on the network systems administrator role including key skills, career progression, salaries, current job postings and the training you need to prepare for a meaningful career in IT (and beyond). 

Let’s start with the basics!

What does a network systems administrator do? 

Network systems administrators handle all things computer networks. They primarily deal with the internal side of things but it’s also beneficial if they know how to work with computer hardware. 

Their day-to-day tasks change all the time. Maybe one day they’ll install and troubleshoot computer hardware, operation systems and networks, including IP data. Another day may be filled with server management and tackling network security issues. Their job may be more behind-the-scenes but it plays a crucial role in ensuring their company’s technology and data communications systems run smoothly. 

What are some of the key skills you need for the role? 

There are many skills that would benefit you as a network systems administrator. Let’s get into some of the key skills that will help you succeed:

• Technical skills. So much of the work you’ll be doing is technical and requires strong attention to detail. You’ll be installing, configuring and troubleshooting many different technical tools including computer hardware, operation systems, networks and servers. You’ll work with data networks including Windows 10, LAN and other IP services like NAT and ACLs. There are many technical aspects to the job that require very specific training. While it may seem like a bunch of jargon now, you’ll be well prepared before you enter the field and all of these terms will become commonplace. 

• Problem-solving skills. Whenever you deal with information on a network, there’s the risk of a privacy breach. Part of the network systems administrator role is dealing with security breaches as well as taking proactive security measures to prevent breaches. This is one aspect of the job where problem-solving comes in real handy. Not only that, any time you work with a network issue you’ll have to think about the different reasons the error occurred in order to fix the problem and reconfigure the network. Every day you’ll be problem solving so it’s an extremely important skill to have.

• Time management skills. Chances are, you’ll have multiple projects on the go at all times and new issues may come up on the fly. As a network systems administrator, you have to be able to manage your time and prioritize your tasks so everything gets done in order of importance. That being said, it’s just as important to adapt when unexpected tasks or problems come up, even if it changes your original schedule.

• Patience. As a network systems administrator, it’s easy to get overwhelmed if you’re stuck on a problem. Patience is key in maintaining your composure and keeping a clear mind. Sometimes stepping away from the problem is one of the best things you can do so when you return, you can approach the problem with a fresh set of eyes and a new perspective.

If you take our Network Systems Administrator Diploma Program, you’ll learn all the skills you need to have a successful career.

What is a network systems administrator’s career progression? 

If you want to work in IT and are interested in advancing your career as a network systems administrator, you have a few avenues to grow your skills. 

Here are some titles you can work towards as a network systems administrator:

• Computer Network Architect. Computer network architects do similar work to network systems administrators but they’re a lot more involved in idea creation and implementation. They design and build data communication networks and also upgrade software and hardware like adapters and routers. They evaluate where organizations could use new networks and for what purpose. Computer network architects are critical thinkers and must have a strong knowledge of business plans so they can design networks strategically. 

• Computer and Information Systems Manager. If you want to take on more responsibility and lead a team, you can pursue a managerial job like a computer and information systems manager. You’d be in charge of making hardware and software-related decisions on behalf of a company and delegating tasks to your team. You may also supervise hardware installation, security networks and implement software upgrades. 

What is a network systems administrator’s salary? 

According to Canadian job search engine neuvoo, the average network systems administrator salary in Canada is around $77,000 per year. From those surveyed, entry-level salaries come in around $48,000 per year with higher level positions paying upwards of $90,000. As you develop your skills and progress in your career, the more potential you’ll have for salary growth. 

If you take our Network Systems Administrator Diploma Program, you could be earning $38,000 to $66,000 in less than a year.

Where can you work as a network systems administrator? 

As we mentioned earlier, network systems administrators don’t solely have to work in IT. There are many industries and companies where their work is valued and in high demand. Some of these sectors include:

• Technical consulting services
• Post-secondary institutions
• Architectural and engineering firms
• Insurance carriers
• Healthcare 
• Retailers
• Government
• Financial institutions

If you love working with computers and the network systems administrator role interests you, know you have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing a field and place to work.

What are some of the current job postings in Canada? 

There are many opportunities to work as a network systems administrator in Canada. Here are some of the related job postings on Indeed: 

Corporate Network and Systems Administrator at Ladco Company Limited – Winnipeg, MB

This is a full-time, permanent position at Ladco Company Limited, a company specializing in land development, real estate, construction and building products as well as hospitality. The candidate would ensure the IT requirements of the organization are met and implement technology including hardware, software, systems, networks and applications. They’d also recommend new IT systems to implement and provide support to users.

Salary: $50,000 to $75,000 a year

IT Systems Administrator at Nuvex Solutions – Lethbridge, AB

Nuvex Solutions specializes in computer repair and IT support. In this full-time, permanent position you would perform daily system monitoring, review security logs and maintain and update servers and virtual machines. Part of your job would involve improving internal and external networks as well as server infrastructure. Knowledge in Windows servers, Microsoft Office 365, SQL and Linux (among other platforms) is really useful. 

Salary: N/A

Systems Administrator Support at the University of Victoria – Victoria, BC

This job is interesting as you’d work for the University of Victoria but actually be supporting Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) who partners with the university. You would provide support to the various scientific instruments located in coastal, deep-ocean and Arctic environments. You would help architect new systems and fix operational issues and a large part of the job would be to develop new technologies and bring new ideas to the table.

Salary: $56,000 to $74,000 a year

As you can see, these three positions are in three very different sectors: real estate, IT and education. It’s really up to you to decide which industry you’d like to pursue!

How can you become a network systems administrator? 

You can take our 49-week Network Systems Administrator Diploma Program at our Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg or Online campus. Our program incorporates content from a number of industry certifications so you’ll graduate with a well-rounded skill set that will prepare you for multiple industries. 

Some of the topics of study include Windows client configuration and server management, A+ certification, Cisco routing and switching, business communication and career prep. You’ll also get a 4-week full-time practicum where you can apply your new skills firsthand in the field. 

You can read our blog to learn more about the cost of college in Canada and how to prepare for college studies.