Career Trends: Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.

Network and computer systems administrators work with the physical computer networks of a variety of organizations and therefore are employed in many industries.

Most employers require network and computer systems administrators to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science. Others may require only a postsecondary certificate.

Employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for information technology workers is high and should continue to grow as firms invest in newer, faster technology and mobile networks.

This occupation supported 366,400 jobs in 2012 and 382,600 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 4.4%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 11.7% in 2022 to 409,400 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 375,000, compared with an observed value of 382,600, 2.0% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are better than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 8.2% in 2024 to 412,800 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 418,000 jobs for 2024, 1.3% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation.