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Network & Computer Systems Administrators

All About Pros who Make "ALL SYSTEMS GO"

Do you have an aptitude for installing and configuring computer software and hardware? If so, you may have some promising career options awaiting you.Are you among those with a nose for designing and refining? If so, you may have some promising career options awaiting you. Network and computer systems administrators are in demand in an ever-growing number of tech-based careers. Such jobs don't allow for boredom, and network and computer systems administrators design, install, configure, and support multi-user computer systems and/ or networks for all sorts of businesses and organizations. They are responsible for day-to-day on-site administrative support for software users in a variety of work environments, including professional offices, small businesses, government, and large corporations. Tese intense jobs are driven by constant advancements in technology - requiring regularly updated tech skills. Te occupation is both exciting and rewarding for persons wanting to work with cutting-edge technology.

Network and computer systems administrators are in demand in an ever-growing number of tech-based fields. They design, install, configure and support multi-user computer systems and/or networks for all sorts of businesses and organizations.


They are responsible for day-to-day on-site administrative support for software users in a variety of work environments, including professional offices, small businesses, government, and large corporations. These jobs are driven by constant advancements in technology and require regular updating of existing skills and learning of new skills to stay ahead of the curve. The occupation is both exciting and rewarding for those interested in the field of computer and network technology.

Network and computer systems administrator jobs are expected to increase 9 percent between 2018 and 2028. 

  9% Growth

Estimates show an annual job opening of 663 in the Gulf Coast region.

Growth 76 Retirements 141 Transfers 446

  

Salaries in this field start out well above the regional average, even at entry-level, and continue to climb to over $100,000 per year!

Entry $63,313 Median $92,754 Experienced $117,565

But it all comes down to if the career fits...Does it fit you?

These skills, interests, and knowledge areas are recommended for a career as a computer system administrator. The numbers below describe the relative importance of each knowledge/skill area to the occupation.

     89.6%

Computers & Electronics

Knowing both operations and basic programming of computers, hardware, software and other electronic equipment

        75%

Critical Thinking

Using logical reasoning to identify and analyze a problem and its components
        75%

Systems Analysis

Understanding and analyzing how a system works with cause and effect sequences under changes in environment, operations, and various conditions.

*Source: Texas Career Check

Virtually all companies rely on computer networks to manage information, which means there are opportunities for Network and Computer Systems Administrators in a wide range of industries!

Top 5 Industries Computer System Admin

Pathway to Becoming a Network and Computer Systems Administrator

High School Endorsement: Business & Industry | STEM

Most employers want network and computer systems administrators to have a bachelor's degree in a computer science-related field such as computer science or computer engineering. This usually takes 4 years of college with opportunities for educational internships along the way.

Certifications & Advancement

Depending on the needs of an organization, some employers require individuals to possess specific certifications relating to products or equipment the administrators work with. These may be specific to Microsoft certification (Microsoft Certified Systems Analyst, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), certification as a Red Hat Certified Engineer, Novell Certified Network Administrator, Cisco Certified Network Administrator, CompTIA's A+ or Network+, or Sun Certified Network Administrator (SCNA) among others. 

Advancing in this career likely means narrowing your focus into either a design based field in becoming a Computer Network Architect or rising to a managerial position as a Systems Manager.

Helpful Tech Skills

  • Application Server Software: Citrix XenApp, Oracle WebLogic Server, or Red Hat WildFly
  • Configuration Management Software: Perforce Helix software, Puppet, or VMWare
  • Development Environment Software: Apache Maven, C, Microsoft .NET Framework, or Ruby
  • Object Oriented Development Software: C++, Microsoft ActiveX, Python, or Swift
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software: Microsoft Dynamics GP, NetSuite ERP, Oracle PeopleSoft, or SAP Business Objects

Gulf Coast Region Computer Science and Related Degree Programs

Gulf Coast Region Computer Science and Related Degree Programs

Community Colleges

Universities

MAJOR EMPLOYERS IN THE GULF COAST REGION

 

If you have questions about our Industry/Occupation Profiles or are an organization in the Gulf Coast Region, please contact webmaster@wrksolutions.com.

*Includes the following counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton.

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