Earnings

The median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators was $72,560 with a bachelor's degree in 2016. Employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for information technology (IT) workers is high and should continue to grow as firms invest in newer, faster technology and mobile networks.

In May 2016, the median annual wages for network and computer systems administrators in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

• $84,850 in finance and insurance
• $85,960 in information
• $85,490 in computer systems design and related services
• $83,210 in management of companies and enterprises 
• $68,510 in educational services; state, local, and private

Most network and computer systems administrators worked full time in 2016. Organizations depend on their computer networks, so administrators may need to work overtime to ensure that the networks are operating properly around the clock. About 1 in 5 administrators worked more than 40 hours per week in 2016.

Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-2017 edition, Network and Computer Systems Administrators.