A System Administrator is primarily responsible for managing computers, servers, software, and user access, ensuring that systems operate efficiently. In contrast, a Network Administrator focuses on the connectivity between devices, securing and optimizing network performance to facilitate seamless communication and data transfer.
In this article, we will explore the differences between a System Administrator and a Network Administrator, discussing their roles, responsibilities, skills, and career opportunities. This information will help you make informed decisions about your career path in IT. While both roles are essential for maintaining technology systems, their focus areas and responsibilities differ significantly.
Definitions and Roles
A System Administrator is concerned with the internal workings of computer systems, including hardware and software. A Network Administrator, on the other hand, manages the infrastructure that connects these systems, such as routers, switches, and firewalls.
System Administrator: System administrators are responsible for Active Directory, administering Active Directory, creating group policy, and ensuring that the necessary policies apply to the different users. Also if you have a Microsoft system sent to ICCM in your organization, these are the people who would typically be responsible for administering these systems.
Roles: Ensuring that the organization’s software has the latest patches installed. For example, it is important to verify that you are running Windows 10, as Windows 7 is no longer supported. For those using Windows 10, ensure that you have the latest updates for both your operating system and your antivirus software.
Network Administrator: A Network Administrator is responsible for the organization’s network infrastructure, which includes switches, routers, firewalls, and IP telephony systems.
Roles:
If you are dealing with routers in your organization, ensure that the proper routing protocols are set up on these routers, whether it’s OSPF or whether it’s BGP if you’re ISP. For Firewalls, ensure that the proper security policies are in place, the necessary access lists are configured, and the necessary ports are open in your firewall to allow traffic in and out of your organization. For IP telephony, ensure that the PBX system is set up properly and that your call manager and call tracking are configured properly.
Key Responsibilities of system administrator and network administrator
System administrator: A system administrator focuses on the Internal computer systems, including servers, operating systems, and software.
- Installing, configuring, and maintaining servers and computer systems.
- User account management.
- Software and hardware installation and upkeep.
- Data recovery and backup.
- Security management and best practices.
- Troubleshooting and resolving system issues.
- Monitoring system performance and availability.
Network administrator: focuses on Network infrastructure and connectivity.
- Designing, implementing, and maintaining network infrastructure (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.).
- Managing network devices and protocols.
- Ensuring network security and access control.
- Troubleshooting network connectivity issues.
- Monitoring network performance and capacity.
Skills and knowledge required
While both System Administrators and Network Administrators work closely in IT operations, they need both technical and soft skills, and these skills are specialized to their respective areas. These include knowledge of operating systems (such as Windows, Linux, or macOS), familiarity with network hardware (routers, switches, firewalls), and proficiency in network monitoring and management tools (such as Wireshark, Nagios, or SolarWinds).
System Administrator
Technical skills:
- Operating systems (Windows Server, Linux, macOS)
- Active Directory and Group Policy Management
- Virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V)
- System imaging and deployment tools (e.g., SCCM)
- Scripting (PowerShell, Bash) for automation
- File system management and access permissions
- Backup and disaster recovery strategies
Soft Skills:
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Strong documentation and organizational skills
- Ability to troubleshoot hardware/software issues quickly
- Communication with non-technical staff
Certifications
- Microsoft Certified: Windows Server/Active Directory
- CompTIA Server+
- Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
- LPIC (Linux Professional Institute Certificate
Network Administrator
Technical skills:
- Network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN)
- Router and switch configuration (Cisco, Juniper, etc.)
- Network security (firewalls, IDS/IPS, access control lists)
- Network monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, SolarWinds)
- Wireless networking and VoIP
- IP addressing and subnetting
- Troubleshooting connectivity and performance issues
Soft Skills:
- Attention to detail and methodical approach to problems
- Ability to work under pressure during outages or attacks
- Clear communication with teams during downtime or maintenance
Certifications
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- CompTIA Network+
- Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA)
- certified information system security professional (CISSP- for security-focused roles)
Similarities between System Administrator and Network Administrator.
System administrators and network administrators are both IT professionals who develop, support and maintain information technology infrastructure. Although they focus on different aspects of running a computing system, both system administrators and network administrators work to facilitate day-to-day operations for a system. They collaborate to provide system users with reliable ways to access information and execute IT operations. Because network issues can impact servers and vice versa, network administrators and system administrators might perform similar troubleshooting duties and tasks when resolving an issue in their area of expertise. Other types of similarities include:
Work environment
Both network administrators and system administrators work in an office environment, primarily using software tools on a computer. They also visit physical sites to install and repair equipment, which requires some basic travel. Network and system administrators work full-time and may have options for flexible overtime.
Skills
Network administrators and system administrators have similar skills that they use when solving problems and managing their networks or servers. Because they work so closely together, network administrators and system administrators need to understand one another’s technical skills. Some of the primary skills involved in these professions are:
- Networking
- Problem-solving
- Strategic thinking
- Data analysis
- Hardware installation
- Scripting languages
- Device management
- Cloud computing
Key differences between System administrator and Network administrator.
Despite their similarities, system administrators and network administrators have distinct roles with many differences. To understand the system and network administrator positions, consider their unique attributes in each of these core aspects of the job.
|
Areas |
System Administrator |
Network Administrator |
|
Scope of Responsibilities |
Focuses on managing computer systems, servers, user access, and software within an organization. |
Primarily responsible for maintaining and optimizing network infrastructure, including connectivity and data transfer. |
|
Tools and technologies |
Utilizes tools like Active Directory, SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager), VMware, and OS-level management software. |
Works with routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and network monitoring tools like Cisco devices or Wireshark. |
|
Daily Tasks |
Administers user accounts and group policies, ensures software updates and patches are applied, and troubleshoots system-related issues. |
Configures and manages network devices, monitors traffic and bandwidth usage, and resolves connectivity issues. |
|
Focus areas |
Focuses on system performance, user accessibility, and security |
Focuses on network uptime, communication efficiency, and data |
Scope of work.
System administrators and network administrators have different general objectives, with network administrators accomplishing tasks related to network maintenance and system administrators focusing on operating systems, servers, and software platforms. Network administrators work with concepts related to network device scripting, routing, IP addresses, network proxies, and access points. System administrators specialize in knowledge about system capacities, data virtualization, inventory, and analytics.
Salary
Network administrators and system administrators can both earn a comfortable salary, but systems administrators have a slightly higher earning potential. System administrators earn an average salary of $82,591 per year, while network administrators have an average salary of $71,972 per year. Many companies require systems administrators and network administrators to be on call in case of a system or network problem, which enables them to earn additional income through overtime pay.
Equipment
System administrators and network administrators both access their IT systems by entering code and executing actions on a computer, but they use different kinds of equipment when working with the hardware aspects of their jobs. Network administrators work with network hardware like network gateways, repeaters, ethernet hubs, and wireless access points. Typical equipment for system administrators includes mainframes, tower servers, disc drives, motherboards, memory cards, and power supply cables.
Education
System administrators and network administrators have similar education requirements. Employers typically expect a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, or a related field. You can customize your education to either career path by taking courses that focus on either type of engineering and administration. To become a network administrator, you can take courses in cybersecurity, database administration, and programming.
Topics that system administrators should study during their undergraduate education include computer virtualization, operating system administration, device maintenance, and software development. To gain advanced skills in either role, you can consider getting a master’s in computer science, networking, or system administration. This can help you qualify for positions working with expansive and complex computing systems, databases, and device networks.
Experience
System administrators and network administrators should be mid-career with several years of experience in IT. To become a system administrator, you can typically gain experience in an IT helpdesk environment or work as a server hardware technician to develop your skills. Network administrators can look for positions as database specialists and IT communications professionals.
Certification
You can find specialty certifications for both system administrators and network administrators. Many IT certifications can be helpful to both career paths, especially because of the overlap between the two positions. Programming certifications are especially relevant to system administrators, while security and cloud services certifications apply well to network administrator roles.
Career Path and Growth
Both System Administrators and Network Administrators have rewarding career paths with opportunities for growth, specialization, and leadership. As technology evolves and organizations increasingly rely on complex IT infrastructure, the demand for professionals in these roles continues to grow.
System Administrator Career Path
System administrators often start in entry-level IT roles, such as IT Support Technician or Help Desk Analyst, and gradually move into system administration as they gain experience with operating systems, servers, and enterprise tools.
Common career progression:
- IT Support / Help Desk Technician
- Junior System Administrator
- System Administrator
- Senior System Administrator / IT Manager
- Systems Engineer / Infrastructure Architect
- IT Director / Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Specializations & Advanced Roles:
- Cloud Systems Administrator
- DevOps Engineer
- Virtualization Engineer
- IT Security Analyst
- Microsoft 365 or Azure Administrator
Network Administrator Career Path
Network administrators usually begin as Network Support Specialists or IT Technicians, gradually gaining experience with network protocols, hardware, and security.
Common career progression:
- Network Support Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- Network Administrator
- Senior Network Engineer
- Network Architect / Solutions Architect
- IT Infrastructure Manager / Network Director
Specializations & Advanced Roles:
- Network Security Engineer
- VoIP Engineer
- Wireless Network Engineer
- Cloud Networking Specialist (e.g., AWS or Azure Networking)
- Cybersecurity Analyst
Opportunities in Both Roles
- With experience, both roles can transition into DevOps, Cloud Engineering, or Cybersecurity, depending on interests and certifications.
- Leadership opportunities open up as one gains experience, such as moving into IT management or architecture-level roles.
Job Market Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Employment for network and computer systems administrators is expected to grow steadily, with cloud computing and cybersecurity fueling demand.
- Professionals with up-to-date certifications and cloud skills (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud) are especially in high demand.
Conclusion
In summary, while both roles are vital for a functioning IT infrastructure, System administrators focus on the “servers and applications” side, while Network administrators focus on the “network infrastructure and connectivity” side. Both roles offer long-term stability, continuous learning opportunities, and pathways into high-paying, specialized IT careers.
Choosing between them or blending skills from both depends on your interests, whether you prefer working with systems and software (System Administrator) or networks and connectivity (Network Administrator).