How to Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrator in 2026
Median salary: $96,800 · -4.2% projected decline (2024–2034)
What does a Network and Computer Systems Administrator do?
Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Network and Computer Systems Administrators is $96,800. The bottom 10% earn around $60,320 while the top 10% earn over $150,320.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $60,320 |
| Early career (P25) | $75,860 |
| Median | $96,800 |
| Experienced (P75) | $123,390 |
| Top earners (P90) | $150,320 |
Highest-paying metros
Network and Computer Systems Administrator salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $114,140 |
| Maryland | $112,080 |
| California | $106,620 |
| Virginia | $106,610 |
| New Jersey | $104,850 |
| Massachusetts | $104,730 |
| New York | $104,050 |
| Washington | $103,990 |
| Colorado | $103,600 |
| Connecticut | $102,600 |
| Rhode Island | $101,900 |
| Oregon | $100,590 |
| Hawaii | $100,320 |
| North Carolina | $97,590 |
| Illinois | $96,640 |
| Minnesota | $96,560 |
| Delaware | $96,090 |
| Nevada | $95,240 |
| New Hampshire | $94,610 |
| Texas | $94,170 |
| Georgia | $94,100 |
| Michigan | $93,500 |
| Ohio | $93,220 |
| Florida | $92,980 |
| Alaska | $91,770 |
| Tennessee | $90,480 |
| Idaho | $88,610 |
| South Carolina | $88,600 |
| Utah | $88,330 |
| New Mexico | $87,140 |
| Arizona | $87,090 |
| Pennsylvania | $86,170 |
| Louisiana | $86,060 |
| Oklahoma | $85,870 |
| Nebraska | $85,710 |
| Vermont | $85,170 |
| Wisconsin | $82,780 |
| Iowa | $82,210 |
| Kansas | $82,150 |
| Missouri | $81,600 |
| North Dakota | $81,590 |
| Kentucky | $81,520 |
| Alabama | $81,060 |
| Indiana | $80,490 |
| Arkansas | $79,040 |
| Maine | $78,940 |
| Montana | $77,840 |
| Mississippi | $75,090 |
| West Virginia | $73,430 |
| Wyoming | $73,010 |
| South Dakota | $71,040 |
How to earn more as a Network and Computer Systems Administrator
The salary range for Network and Computer Systems Administrators spans $90,000 — from $60,320 at entry level to $150,320 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA at $128,620 — $31,820 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: Bachelor's degree
Starting from high school
- Complete a bachelor's degree program (4 years)
- Pursue internships and co-op experiences during your studies
- Build 1–2 years of entry-level experience
- Continue professional development and earn certifications
- Advance into full professional role after meeting experience requirements
Choose an accredited program with strong industry connections and internship placement rates. Look for schools that offer co-op programs where you alternate between study and paid work. Many employers recruit directly from university programs, so networking and career fairs are valuable. Consider the total return on investment — schools with lower tuition but strong placement rates often outperform expensive programs.
In-state public universities offer the best value. Federal financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs can reduce costs by 40–60%.
With a related degree
- Complete additional coursework or a certificate program in the specialization
- Earn professional certifications (CompTIA A+/Network+/Security+, AWS/Azure certifications, PMP)
- Build relevant experience through lateral transfers or project work
- Position yourself for the role using your combined education and experience
Your existing degree covers many foundational requirements. Focus on the gap — often 3–6 specialized courses plus a certification or two. Many universities offer post-baccalaureate certificates that take 1–2 semesters. Online programs from accredited universities provide flexibility for working professionals.
Certificate programs and individual courses are much cheaper than a second degree. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for career-relevant education.
Career change from another field
- Complete a second bachelor's or accelerated degree program
- Earn required professional certifications
- Complete supervised work experience or residency
- Leverage your previous career skills for a differentiated profile
Career changers bring valuable perspective — employers increasingly value diverse backgrounds. Look for accelerated programs designed for career changers (many fields now offer 12–18 month intensive programs). Your prior professional experience in areas like project management, communication, and leadership transfer directly and can accelerate your advancement once you enter the field.
Career change scholarship programs exist in many fields. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses or student loan repayment assistance for in-demand specializations.
Already working in another career?
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The Network and Computer Systems Administrator role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.
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Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Network and Computer Systems Administrator.
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SOC: 15-1244.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034