Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244.00 · ESCO 2522 · OSCA 272132
Role snapshot
Overview
Manages an organisation's computer network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless systems. Monitors network performance, troubleshoots connectivity issues, implements security policies to protect data traffic, and ensures network uptime and reliability for business operations.
Ensures the seamless and secure operation of an organisation's critical network infrastructure, enabling communication, data access, and overall business continuity.
On the job
- Configure and maintain network hardware and software, including routers, switches, and firewalls.
- Monitor network performance, availability, and security logs to identify and resolve issues.
- Troubleshoot network connectivity and service problems, including LAN/WAN and VPN issues.
- Implement and enforce network security policies and procedures to protect data and systems.
- Perform regular network backups, disaster recovery planning, and system upgrades.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
Typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, or relevant certifications and experience.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
moderate
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
Monitoring, routine troubleshooting, and configuration changes (especially in software-defined networks) are moderately exposed to AI automation.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
AI can manage and optimize network flows and self-heal some outages, but designing complex new architectures or handling unforeseen physical failures requires human oversight.
Adoption pressure
high
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
Network stability and performance are critical, making automation of maintenance and improvements to uptime a strong driver for AI adoption.
Human dependence
moderate
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Designing resilient networks, understanding the business impact of outages, and critical decision-making under pressure are highly human skills.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
strong
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The role will shift towards managing AI-driven network automation tools, architecting complex cloud networks, and focusing on network security and resilience strategy.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Monitor network performance, availability, and security logs.
- Troubleshoot common network connectivity and service problems.
- Configure and maintain routine network hardware and software.
- Perform regular network backups and basic system upgrades.
- Enforce standard network security policies and procedures.
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Designing and implementing complex, resilient network architectures.
- Troubleshooting novel or intermittent network issues requiring deep analysis.
- Performing disaster recovery planning and leading incident response for outages.
- Configuring and securing advanced network devices like firewalls and VPNs.
- Evaluating new network technologies and integrating them into existing infrastructure.
- Understanding business needs to optimize network performance and accessibility.
How the role may evolve
Managing intelligent networks; less routine configuration, more strategic architecture.
Network administrators will evolve from hands-on configuration to overseeing AI-driven network management systems. Their expertise will be vital in architecting scalable, secure, and resilient networks, and in resolving highly complex or critical network challenges.
Strengthen your future fit
- Expertise in AI/ML for network automation and optimization.
- Advanced network architecture and design skills (e.g., SDN, cloud networking).
- Proficiency in network security principles and implementation.
- Strong scripting and programming for network automation (e.g., Python, PowerShell).
- Strategic planning for network resilience and disaster recovery.
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Network Administrator
IT Operations & Security
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
investigative · CRI
Individuals who enjoy systematic problem-solving, hands-on technical work, and maintaining organised and secure systems will find this role rewarding.
Personality characteristics
Detail-oriented
Meticulous in configuring network devices and reviewing logs to prevent errors and ensure compliance.
Analytical
Enjoys dissecting complex network problems to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
Resilient
Maintains composure and focus during network outages or security incidents, working calmly under pressure.
Methodical
Follows established protocols and best practices for network maintenance, security, and documentation.
Collaborative
Works effectively with IT teams and other departments to resolve issues and implement new solutions.
Best for
- People who thrive on solving technical puzzles and ensuring the reliability and security of critical systems.
- Professionals who enjoy working with complex technology, continuously learning new tools and protocols, and maintaining order in digital infrastructure.
Watch out for
- Requires occasional weekend or after-hours work for planned maintenance or emergency outages.
- Can involve periods of high pressure during critical network failures or security breaches, demanding quick and accurate responses.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Network Administrator — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Network Administrator roles
What does a Network Administrator do?
A Network Administrator manages an organisation's computer network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless systems. Monitors network performance, troubleshoots connectivity issues, implements security policies to protect data traffic, and ensures network uptime and reliability for business operations. Ensures the seamless and secure operation of an organisation's critical network infrastructure, enabling communication, data access, and overall business continuity.
How much does a Network Administrator earn?
A Network Administrator earns a median of $90,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $65,000 to $125,000.
What qualifications do you need to become a Network Administrator?
To become a Network Administrator, typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, or relevant certifications and experience.
What personality suits a Network Administrator?
Network Administrator roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 85/100) and reserved — comfortable with long independent focus rather than constant social contact (Extraversion 32/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Detail-oriented, Analytical, Resilient and Methodical. Meticulous in configuring network devices and reviewing logs to prevent errors and ensure compliance. On interests, Network Administrator maps to a CRI Holland Code profile — individuals who enjoy systematic problem-solving, hands-on technical work, and maintaining organised and secure systems will find this role rewarding.
Who does a Network Administrator role suit?
A Network Administrator role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Investigative and Conventional alignment: the role demands systematic problem-solving, adherence to technical standards, and data analysis. A significant portion of the week is dedicated to deep work, focusing on technical configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Opportunities to apply hands-on technical skills in managing complex and critical network infrastructure.
What are the downsides of being a Network Administrator?
Network Administrator roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Requires occasional weekend or after-hours work for planned maintenance or emergency outages. Can involve periods of high pressure during critical network failures or security breaches, demanding quick and accurate responses.
What is the work environment like for a Network Administrator?
Work as a Network Administrator is mostly office-based with hybrid arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and medium exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 50% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be a Network Administrator?
Core skills for a Network Administrator include Network configuration and troubleshooting, Network security implementation, Operating system management (Linux/Windows Server), Scripting and automation and VPN and firewall management.
How do you become a Network Administrator?
Common entry routes into Network Administrator roles include It Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, Junior Network Technician and Systems Administrator Junior.
What career progression is there for a Network Administrator?
From a Network Administrator role, common next steps include Senior Network Administrator and Network Architect; lateral moves include Cybersecurity Analyst and Cloud Network Engineer.
What is the job outlook for Network Administrator roles?
The outlook for Network Administrator roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Network Administrator roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Network Administrator roles at 55 out of 100, which is moderate. Network performance monitoring and basic troubleshooting are prime for AI automation, allowing administrators to focus on complex architecture, strategic resilience, and advanced security implementations. AI is most likely to take on monitor network performance, availability, and security logs., troubleshoot common network connectivity and service problems. and configure and maintain routine network hardware and software.. Designing and implementing complex, resilient network architectures., troubleshooting novel or intermittent network issues requiring deep analysis. and performing disaster recovery planning and leading incident response for outages. stay with people. Managing intelligent networks; less routine configuration, more strategic architecture. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.