Software Engineer working on a project to develop skills

 

Network administrators play a critical role in managing network traffic, safeguarding against malicious activities, and upholding security best practices. They must help maintain the integrity of the network while helping their organizations unleash successful digital transformations. It’s a big job, in other words. What skills do network administrators need to succeed?

Key Network Administrator Skills

According to Lightcast, which collects and analyzes millions of job postings from across the country, the most in-demand network administrator skills include:

  • System administration
  • Troubleshooting
  • Communication skills
  • Linux
  • Problem solving
  • Microsoft Active Directory
  • VMware
  • Teamwork/collaboration
  • Planning
  • Technical support
  • Windows Server
  • Network administration
  • Hardware and software installation
  • Cisco
  • Research
  • Domain Name System (DNS)
  • Customer service
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Information systems
  • SQL

As you’ve no doubt realized, that’s quite a number of technical and soft skills. Given the complicated and unique needs of each organization’s network, adaptability is another critical attribute: the role demands a readiness to embrace novel tools and methodologies, ensuring continual enhancement of network efficiency.  

In addition to the technical knowledge, effective communication skills and collaborative problem-solving abilities are crucial for seamless interaction within a team. Kelsey Person, technology recruiting team lead for LaSalle Network, says successful network administrator candidates are equipped with practical expertise in executing network installation and configuration tasks, coupled with proficiency in monitoring and troubleshooting.

“A well-rounded understanding of LAN, WAN, wireless technologies, servers, and firewalls is essential,” she adds. “Given the increasing prevalence of SD-WAN technology in corporate networks, familiarity with this area is highly valued.”

Additionally, experience in networking within cloud environments constitutes a significant asset, aligning with contemporary industry trends. 

How much can network administrators earn?

According to crowdsourced information from Indeed, network administrators earn an average of $76,201 per year. ZipRecruiter came to similar conclusions based on its data, pinning the bulk of network administrator salaries at between $65,000 and $93,500 per year.

Network administrator salaries fall into a similar range as other network- and systems-related jobs. According to Dice’s most recent Tech Salary Report, the average systems administrator makes $85,037 per year; network engineers earn $99,103 per year; and database administrators pull down $107,828 per year.

These numbers can rise still further with the right mix of skills and experience. If you’re a veteran network administrator who’s known for helping companies rapidly upgrade their networks, for instance, you can certainly pull down a six-figure salary.

Which certifications do network administrators need?

Thomas Vick, senior regional director at Robert Half Technology, agrees that traditional network administrator skills include the ability to configure and design different network systems, in-house voice data, video, and wireless networks.

“A network engineer must be able to structure those systems within the confines of whatever tools or whatever technology that particular organization is using,” he says. “They need that basic understanding of how to manipulate or design and configure those particular networks.”

Person points to certifications from CompTIA, such as Network+, that serve as excellent entry points for individuals looking to initiate their journey into the field.

Cisco offers a range of certifications, including CCST and CCNA, both of which provide comprehensive education in networking fundamentals, encompassing crucial aspects like switching and routing.

For those interested in cloud services, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals stands out as a valuable certification, offering a balanced focus on cloud technologies while incorporating essential networking concepts. 

Vick notes organizations are growing increasingly concerned with network security, which means any good network engineer will be able to fold that element into the skill portfolio.

“Just having that basic understanding how the configuration of a network is designed, but then also being able to understand how security comes into play and how to potentially update or beef up the security for that particular environment is definitely a differentiator they're going to want to learn,” he says.

Gaining Hands-On Experience

Proficiency in installation and configuration is pivotal for network administrators, along with the ability to effectively deploy network tooling and configure technology to ensure the seamless functionality of the system.

“The aptitude for monitoring and troubleshooting is crucial in guaranteeing the optimal and efficient operation of the network,” Person explains. “This skill set ensures swift identification and resolution of any potential issues that may arise.”

Understanding how to configure and design these networks for the cloud (or how to get them to work within the cloud) is crucial. “Instead of there being more on-site servers, more on-site configuration with more and more hybrid or fully remote environments, you have less of that,” Vick explains. “Instead, it's important to understand the virtual aspect and how to get these organizations into the cloud.”

Importance of Communication, Teamwork

Network administrators must interface with diverse teams throughout the IT department and the broader business, which requires effective communication and teamwork. “Proficient communication and collaboration are key soft skills, given the substantial troubleshooting inherent in networking,” Person says. “Problem-solving proficiency is paramount, especially concerning the intricacies of troubleshooting.”

She adds the ability to systematically address issues is a key skill set for network administrators, and notes customer service and interpersonal skills are invaluable in managing interactions with employees who may be distressed due to network disruptions.

"Navigating such situations effectively requires a combination of empathy and effective communication," she says.

You Must Keep Network Administrator Skills Current

The evolution of technology underscores the necessity for network administrators to remain current with the latest tools.

“This not only safeguards security and optimizes network efficiency but also ensures adherence to evolving best practices,” Person says. “This commitment to staying informed is pivotal for administrators aspiring to progress into engineering or architecture roles.”

She points to an array of online learning tools at the disposal of administrators, including online learning platform Coursera or engagement in internet-based virtual labs.

Person also advises participation in training programs and certifications offered by industry leaders such as Cisco and Juniper, attendance at conferences or webinars, and exposure to educational content via podcasts and YouTube, all of which contribute to a “rich and diverse” self-learning ecosystem.  

Person also noted that, in today’s technology landscape, cloud technology persists as a focal point of conversation, which means leveraging platforms such as:

For those network administrators who want to learn AWS, start with education and training programs such as AWS Academy and AWS re/Start. For those curious about Azure, Microsoft has its own training courses. And for Google Cloud, Google has training options tailored to your specialization. 

“In this landscape, it is important to remain cognizant of emerging technologies within cloud networking,” Person notes. “In addition to cloud, it is as important to keep up to date on latest security trends and be acquainted with firewalls, network detection mechanisms, and network monitoring solutions.”  

Vick adds that machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) is touching all aspects of organizations, from the development of the networks to system configurations. “Everybody's looking to A.I. and so it's definitely going to come into play for network engineers, but as far as the practical usage, I would say we're still pretty early on to be able to see any patterns,” he notes.