Network and Computer Systems Architects and Administrators
(SOC 15-1142)

Print Version

Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.

Sample of reported job titles: Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator), Information Technology Manager (IT Manager), Information Technology Director (IT Director), Systems Engineer, Network Manager, Network Specialist

Job Responsibilities

• Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
• Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
• Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
• Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use.
• Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms.
• Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
• Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future.
• Confer with network users about how to solve existing system problems.

New Hampshire Outlook

• Average Hourly Wage*: $33.98
• Estimated Employment 2010: 1,610
• Projected Employment 2020: 2,000
• Expected 10-Year Growth: 24.2%
• Projected Average Annual Openings: 66

Top industries in NH for this occupation:

• Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Computer Systems Design and Related Services
• Colleges and Universities
• Hospitals
• Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
• Insurance Carriers & Related Activities

Education and Training

Most Network Administrators must have a four-year college degree, although some may obtain qualification through fewer years of education along with related work experience. Computer technology changes quickly, and those who continue pursuing training and certification to stay up-to-date on technological developments will have an edge in obtaining employment.

There is no professional licensing required in New Hampshire for this occupation. Training and certifications offered by software vendors are a common way for Network Administrators to maintain competency in their field.

Interests (Holland Code): IRC

• Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Career Cluster: Information Technology

Work Environment
Network and computer systems administrators work with the physical computer networks of a variety of organizations and therefore are employed in many industries. In 2010, over 90 percent of network and computer systems administrators worked full time.

Additional Information Sources**
IEEE Computer Society
<www.computer.org/portal/web/guest/contact>

To Find a Job
Contact the nearest NH Employment Security office or go online to www.nhes.nh.gov

* New Hampshire Occupational Employment and Wages, September 2012. Wage estimates based on surveys through May 2011, adjusted to June 2012.
** Inclusion of this information is intended to provide a convenient resource for research, but in no way constitutes an endorsement for any organization; nor is the list all-inclusive.

Source:
NH Employment Projections, base year 2010 to projected year 2020
Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010, Bureau of Labor Statistics

For more information:
Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau
(603) 228-4124
elmi@nhes.nh.gov