Articles > Information Technology > What is a systems administrator?
What is a systems administrator?
Written by Trey Edgington
Reviewed by Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP, Dean, College of Business and IT
What does a systems administrator do?
Systems administrators typically wear many hats. Yes, they oversee the computer systems of an organization, but they also hold many other responsibilities, from designing the systems they manage to choosing the hardware for those systems to operate on.
Monitoring security and issuing systems permissions and user accounts also falls within their purview. And when something goes wrong, they are there to help.
Skills and qualifications for systems administrators
From the brief overview above, you might guess that these tech experts need a broad set of IT skills . Here’s a closer look at what they need to know.
Knowledge of operating systems
Also known as sysadmins, these professionals must know the ins and outs of multiple operating systems . Because computer systems are built on top of an operating system, almost every aspect of the job requires in-depth knowledge of such systems.
When troubleshooting a problem, the systems administrator needs to know how the operating system interacts with the hardware, software and firmware. When a co-worker is having a problem with their machine, the IT technician usually starts by accessing some functions of the operating system. Some organizations use multiple operating systems, which is why these IT professionals need to know more than one.
To manage system settings, like user permissions, application installations and security protocols, the IT admin must know how these functions work with the operating system (OS). They also need to know how to install and upgrade software, which means understanding the compatibility requirements and package management system of the OS.
Networking and security fundamentals
The titles of systems administrator and network administrator are sometimes used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. That said, when an organization doesn’t have a dedicated network administrator, those duties often fall to the systems administrator.
The responsibilities of a systems admin who also runs the network may include:
- Installing equipment
- Configuring network-enabled devices
- Researching and selecting network hardware
- Monitoring for anomalies
- Troubleshooting problems
- Setting up firewalls
One of their primary duties is security. Because much of an organization’s data — financial, personal, proprietary, etc. — is stored on the network, that network can be a target for hackers and other bad actors.
Network security goes beyond just setting up a firewall, though. A systems admin must also install anti-malware software, establish email and cloud security protocols, and monitor behavioral analytics, which trigger a warning when anomalies occur. Those are just a few of the security tasks this tech expert is responsible for.
Problem-solving and analytical skills
As noted, a lot of this IT specialist’s job is technical support, so problem-solving and analytical skills cannot be overlooked. When a co-worker submits a ticket about a computer problem, IT must be able to quickly suss out the issue and implement a solution. At times, the standard solutions don’t work, so creative analytical skills can help them think of secure and stable workarounds.
They solve the problem, and they must solve it quickly. The adage “time is money” is true, and business doesn’t stop because of laptops with connection problems.
Career path and growth opportunities
IT professionals looking to get into systems administration can rest assured that their skills will be needed well into the future. Read on to learn more about entry-level positions, potential salary and job outlooks.
Entry-level positions
Even with a computer science degree, some people begin their career in an entry-level position. These entry-level positions may include:
- An information technology manager (IT manager) typically manages an organization’s IT systems — everything from employee hardware and software to databases and networks.
- An information systems security manager typically ensures the safety of an organization’s computer networks and systems. This might include management and data retrieval.
- Network administrators “install, configure, and maintain organizations’ local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), data communication networks, operating systems, and servers,” according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Junior systems administrators perform many of the duties of a senior sysadmin but without some of the responsibility. They often take escalated tech-support calls.
Degrees and further education
While some systems admins get started in their careers with an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate, they may have a hard time moving past entry-level positions. There are employers who may require their new admins to have a more advanced IT degree. To gain higher-level cutting-edge skills, these IT pros may want to consider earning a master’s degree or an advanced certificate. These educational options can prepare you with even more skills for your current, and future, roles.
Career development
As the IT field is ever-evolving, technology professionals must embrace lifelong learning, and may take classes and earn certificates to keep up with the changes in hardware, software, web browsers and operating systems.
Aspiring IT managers who have up-to-date hard skills also need soft skills. Managing a team requires communication skills like active listening and conflict resolution. They may need to develop other soft skills as well, like empathy and confidence.
Some of these skills come from on-the-job experience, but others require study. Luckily, there are plenty of options online to learn these skills and even earn certificates to prove to potential employers that you have what it takes to lead a team.
As you build these skills, consider joining professional organizations. These organizations are great for networking and learning about upcoming changes to the field. Attending networking events may also help you find positions with more responsibility and better compensation.
Salary ranges and industry demand
As of May 2023, systems administrators earned between $58,680 and $148,710, with a median wage of $95,360, according to BLS .
The career outlook for systems admins includes a projected decline of 3% between 2023 and 2033. However, more than 16,000 new jobs are projected to be available annually during that time frame, according to BLS.
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of the University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2023-2033 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
Work environment and industry trends
IT professionals can work anywhere and everywhere with a multifaceted computer system.
Typical work settings
According to BLS , these are the fields most likely to employ systems administrators:
- Computer systems design and related services: 16%
- Educational services (state, local, private): 11%
- Finance and insurance: 10%
- Information: 8%
- Management of companies and enterprises: 7%
Other employers include those in the manufacturing, healthcare and government sectors.
Working in an office is common, though remote work has become more prevalent. Either way, systems specialists may have to be on call outside of normal operating hours to manage emergencies such as system outages.
Emerging technologies and their impact on the field
As mentioned, technology changes constantly , so these IT specialists must keep up.
On-premises systems are moving to cloud-based systems. This can potentially minimize cost for an organization in a number of ways, including removing the need for a brick-and-mortar facility to house servers and the electricity to run them. Systems admins may now need to manage hybrid environments, a mix of the two, which requires further knowledge.
As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning proliferate, systems admins also need to learn how these systems work and what they can do. Though some of the tasks now given to AI — predicting problems and detecting anomalies, for example — used to belong to humans, this doesn’t mean that the involvement of people is no longer necessary. To ensure systems function as they should, there should always be a “human in the loop” (HITL).
These are just two of the most prevalent examples. Other tech advances that are having an impact include:
- Automation tools
- Edge computing
- Containerization
- Zero trust architecture (ZTA)
Ready to explore systems administrator education?
If you’re just beginning your journey and wondering how to become a systems administrator, consider the following degree options from University of Phoenix:
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity : Courses align to the following certifications: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Network Defender (CND) and Certified Secure Computer User (CSCU). This program was awarded the EC-Council’s 2019 and 2023 Academic Circle of Excellence Award and is designed to help you develop problem-solving skills and techniques needed to defend the cyber domain.
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity : Learn how to build secure firewalls, deter hacker attacks and help maintain system protection.
Find out more about the online information tech degrees at University of Phoenix .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Trey Edgington holds a Master of Arts in creative writing from the University of North Texas, and his short fiction has been published in several literary journals. His professional journey also includes more than 15 years of experience in higher education and healthcare marketing. Over the course of his career, he has held such roles as adjunct instructor of English, senior content editor & writer, and content and SEO manager. Most recently, he has taken on the role of generative AI language consultant.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology, Kathryn Uhles has served University of Phoenix in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining University of Phoenix, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
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