What does a Computer Systems Administrator do?
Computer systems administrators are responsible for organizing and installing a company's computer system, including the WAN, LAN, and other data for communication. They gather information from the users to determine where to improve and troubleshoot hardware and software issues. These administrators ensure that the system they design for a company meets the needs of their users. They maintain the security of their systems and provide technical support for projects. They mainly administer a company's network, database, and security systems.
Computer systems administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer systems administrator resumes:
- Create SNP pipeline script in Perl to automate SNP prediction.
- Manage static IP address reservations in the corporate and DHCP in the production network.
- Manage a mix facility of IBM and DEC mainframe computers, VAX super-mini computers and PDP-11 mini computers.
- Design, install, configure and manage Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop environment.
- Manage & monitor database servers and perform weekly/monthly data backup schedules and recovery strategies.
- Convert manual offices to computerize environment using standalone PCs and UNIX systems.
- Create customized Linux distribution for installation on old PC's to be used as thin clients.
- web mail, dns, web, etc.
- Install, configure DNS, ftp, squid3 and DHCP services.
- Use SSMS to keep SQL server information update.
- Install and maintain FDDI and Ethernet TCP/IP networks.
- Maintain and configure local PBX and VOIP phone system.
- Conduct periodic QA checks on information contain in the databases.
- Perform daily CNC support (packages/ESU's/User ID's/Debug error's) on B7333.
- Implement, maintain and administer Pro/Intralink, (Pro/Engineer PDM tool).
Computer systems administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Computer Systems Administrators are proficient in Computer System, Linux, and Customer Service. They’re also known for soft skills such as Multitasking skills, Problem-solving skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Systems Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Computer System, 12%
Provide necessary pertinent computer networking information to other outside computer professionals that has contracts supplying computer systems to the Courts.
- Linux, 8%
Configured maintained and deployed various DoD military tactical systems with Linux /Unix System installs, maintenance and configurations.
- Customer Service, 5%
Provided customer service for over 500 employees resolving technical network issues and established communication networks.
- Troubleshoot, 5%
Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot software to ensure the availability and function of both local and remote hardware.
- DOD, 4%
Installed and maintained DOD software applications while utilizing appropriate IT procedures, standards, and guidelines for all tasks performed.
- User Accounts, 3%
Created and maintained user accounts and supported all aspects of workstation functionality.
Common skills that a computer systems administrator uses to do their job include "computer system," "linux," and "customer service." You can find details on the most important computer systems administrator responsibilities below.
Multitasking skills. One of the key soft skills for a computer systems administrator to have is multitasking skills. You can see how this relates to what computer systems administrators do because "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." Additionally, a computer systems administrator resume shows how computer systems administrators use multitasking skills: "organized work flow while multitasking, critical thinking and solved technical issues troubleshooted and resolved network connectivity issues. "
Problem-solving skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling computer systems administrator duties is problem-solving skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." According to a computer systems administrator resume, here's how computer systems administrators can utilize problem-solving skills in their job responsibilities: "configured a centralized dod approved software solution for data erasure on client system's hard disk drives and solid state drives. "
Analytical skills. This is an important skill for computer systems administrators to perform their duties. For an example of how computer systems administrator responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a computer systems administrator: "planed, coordinated, and implemented network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware. ".
Communication skills. A big part of what computer systems administrators do relies on "communication skills." You can see how essential it is to computer systems administrator responsibilities because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical computer systems administrator tasks: "maintained computer systems, technology resources and communication equipment in the building. "
The three companies that hire the most computer systems administrators are:
- PParsons91 computer systems administrators jobs
- UUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst6 computer systems administrators jobs
- UUnited States Courts4 computer systems administrators jobs
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Computer systems administrator vs. Computer engineer
A computer engineer is someone who examines, designs, and manages computer hardware and software systems. He/She or she helps in solving issues or any concerns that may occur with the computer's hardware and software as well as assists in the innovation of computer technology. Computer engineers are responsible for computer hardware design, development, research, and test computer systems. They examine components like circuit boards, processors, memory devices, routers, and networks. While, those working with the computer software are in charge of the development, design, and administration of software programs.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a computer systems administrator are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "lan wan," "backup recovery," and "printers." On the other hand, a job as a computer engineer requires skills like "c #," "python," "software development," and "java." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Computer engineers tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $117,704. In contrast, computer systems administrators make the biggest average salary, $84,404, in the technology industry.The education levels that computer engineers earn slightly differ from computer systems administrators. In particular, computer engineers are 5.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a computer systems administrator. Additionally, they're 1.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer systems administrator vs. Computer analyst
A computer analyst is responsible for generating technical solutions to improve operational efficiency and processes. Computer analysts create models for system applications and perform upgrades on software and hardware networks to boost optimization. They also develop strategic methods to enhance the performance of existing systems and identify inconsistencies for immediate resolution. A computer analyst must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in managing the security of computer data and setting the configuration and accessibility of networks for authorized users.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, computer systems administrator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "lifecycle management," "tcp ip," "cad," and "lan wan." Meanwhile, a computer analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "c++," "data entry," "sql server," and "mac." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Computer analysts earn a higher average salary than computer systems administrators. But computer analysts earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $81,179. Additionally, computer systems administrators earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $84,404 annually.computer analysts earn similar levels of education than computer systems administrators in general. They're 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Computer Systems Administrators in the next 3-5 years?
Dean, Professor, New York Institute of Technology
-We will be witnessing a more widespread commercial deployment of 5G in 2020. With the implementation of the Standalone 5G devices based on the 3gpp release 16, we should be seeing the more robust mobile broadband deployment of 5G, wider availability of 5G smartphones, and a push towards an all 5G Network in select urban areas around the world.
-Significant growth in AI-based technologies, from face recognition and voice recognition to business intelligence and market predictions. As machines and deep learning algorithms get integrated into many applications, many industries will undergo substantial changes. AI systems will continue to interact with our phones; cars will interpret and analyze their surroundings and intelligently drive themselves. Online vendors will monitor our browsing habits, and Google decides what kind of search results to give us, based on who it thinks we are.
Computer systems administrator vs. Information technology administrator
An Information Technology (IT) administrator is an individual responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of an organization's IT systems and ensuring that the systems are running effectively. IT administrators must conduct consistent analyses of the computer system and install updates when needed. They are required to assess the organization's security programs and run the system for viruses and spyware. IT administrators also extend support to the organization's end-users and train them on desktop applications.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computer systems administrator resumes include skills like "dod," "lifecycle management," "cad," and "printers," whereas an information technology administrator is more likely to list skills in "database," "san," "disaster recovery," and "sql server. "
Information technology administrators earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $93,678. Computer systems administrators earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $84,404.When it comes to education, information technology administrators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to computer systems administrators. In fact, they're 1.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Computer systems administrator vs. Lan administrator
LAN administrators are responsible for maintaining the local area network of an organization. These administrators manage the server that connects an organization's network to computers and equipment that need them. They install, configure, and troubleshoot the local area network or LAN in a corporate office. It is part of their job to ensure that the internet is available for everyone who uses computers to perform their roles. They also evaluate and recommend the computers, hardware and software, and the equipment needed to create a hack-proof server.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between computer systems administrators and lan administrators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a computer systems administrator might have more use for skills like "customer service," "dod," "lifecycle management," and "cad." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of lan administrators require skills like "desktop support," "emerging technologies," "network administration," and "network support. "
The technology industry tends to pay the highest salaries for lan administrators, with average annual pay of $74,033. Comparatively, the highest computer systems administrator annual salary comes from the technology industry.lan administrators reach similar levels of education compared to computer systems administrators, in general. The difference is that they're 2.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of computer systems administrator
Updated January 8, 2025