CCAIRHow to become a Network and Systems Security Administrator
Network and systems administrators keep an organization's computers, servers, accounts and networks running, updated and secure. It is one of the most common doors into cybersecurity, and the skills carry into almost every other role.
- First job?
- Entry-levelIT support and help desk are the usual first jobs; many graduates start here directly.
- Coding
- Some scripting
- Start with
- CompTIA Network+
- Median US pay
- $99,130BLS May 2025, Network and Computer Systems Administrators
What the job is like
The keeper of the systems: you run networks and servers and keep them secure. A typical week might include:
- Install security updates across hundreds of computers
- Set up accounts and permissions for a new employee
- Fix a network problem stopping an office from working
How to get in
IT support and help desk are the usual first jobs; many graduates start here directly.
- Learn networking basics and practise in a free network simulator.
- Get comfortable with the Linux and Windows command line.
- Apply to IT support, systems administrator and network technician roles.
Certifications
Start with
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Linux+
- Cisco CCNA
Later, with experience
- CompTIA Security+, then a specialist certification
Free places to practise and learn
Habits that help in every cyber role
- Build a small home lab (an old laptop or free virtual machines is enough) and write up what you try.
- Do beginner capture-the-flag challenges and keep a simple public portfolio of what you learned.
- Go to a local ISSA, ISACA, OWASP or BSides meeting. Most are free for students, and many jobs come from people you meet there.
Questions about this role
Can I get a Network and Systems Security Administrator job straight out of school?
Often, yes. IT support and help desk are the usual first jobs; many graduates start here directly.
Do I need to know how to code to become a Network and Systems Security Administrator?
Some. Basic scripting (for example Python or Bash) helps, but you don't need to be a software developer.
What certification should I get first to become a Network and Systems Security Administrator?
Good starting points: CompTIA Network+; CompTIA Linux+; Cisco CCNA. Later, with experience: CompTIA Security+, then a specialist certification.
How much does a Network and Systems Security Administrator make?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median of $99,130 a year (May 2025) for Network and Computer Systems Administrators, the closest official category. Starting pay is usually lower and varies by city and employer.
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NICE work roles: Systems Administration; Network Operations; Systems Security Analysis. Pay: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025. Reviewed 2026-10-17 by Dr. Benjamin M. Ampel, Director of CCAIR.