System Administrator vs. Network Administrator: Navigating Your Career Choices

Key takeaways

The differences between system and network administrators include their technical skill set and the types of hardware they work with.

• System administrators earn $113,000 annualy, on average, compared to network administrators at $100,000 [1, 2].

• A bachelor’s degree is typically expected for both system and network administrator positions. 

• You can earn IT certifications, such as CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+, to stay up to date with industry developments.

Explore the similarities and differences between system administrator and network administrator roles. If you’re ready to start developing your information technology (IT) skills, consider earning a Google IT Support Professional Certificate, where you will have the opportunity to grow the skills you need for an entry-level role, such as IT automation, system administration, version control, and more.

What is a system administrator? 

A system administrator, or sysadmin, works toward ensuring the smooth operation of computer systems. Skilled in both hardware and software, sysadmins troubleshoot issues involving physical servers and other components of a firm’s IT infrastructure. In addition to managing user accounts and access rights, sysadmins also handle data backup and recovery planning. Sysadmins also take on the responsibility of installing and updating software as needed.

What is a network administrator? 

A network administrator is primarily responsible for the upkeep of computer network systems. Also called a netadmin, a network administrator sets up new networks, manages backups, and resolves connectivity issues as they arise. Netadmins also monitor network performance, ensuring optimal speed and availability. Additionally, netadmins maintain network security by deploying firewalls and other relevant security tools. 

Network administrator vs. network engineer

While network administrators and network engineers both work on networks, they perform different roles. Network administrators are responsible for maintaining networks, while network engineers develop networks.

System administrator vs. network administrator: Key differences

Sysadmins and netadmins are both crucial for maintaining an organization’s IT infrastructure. While these positions share some overlapping responsibilities, they aren’t interchangeable. These factors differ between the roles:

Focus area 

Sysadmins manage the overall functionality of computer systems to support organizational goals. Netadmins ensure the stability and security of networks to facilitate reliable data exchange and communication across the organization.

Hardware domain

Netadmins handle key network infrastructure devices like Ethernet hubs and network gateways. In contrast, sysadmins work with more foundational hardware, such as servers and memory cards. 

Technical know-how

Although sysadmins are knowledgeable in both computer systems and networks, netadmins have a more specialized and in-depth understanding of network infrastructure and protocols.

System and network administrator jobs

Both netadmins and sysadmins are mid-level positions in IT. Discover the career trajectory outlining potential growth paths for each role.

Career path of a system administrator

Starting in a help desk or IT specialist role can serve as a stepping stone to becoming a sysadmin. 

As you gain more experience, you can progress to specialized roles like server administrator, systems engineer, or cloud administrator. You may also have the opportunity to take on the network administrator role. Senior-level job opportunities include positions like systems administrator, manager, and director of systems administration.

The following is an overview of the salary you can earn as a sysadmin, based on your level of experience [1]:

• 0–1 year: $84,000

• 1–3 years: $88,000

• 4–6 years: $98,000

• 7–9 years: $101,000

• 10–14 years: $105,000

• 15+ years: $115,000

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of April 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Career path of a network administrator

The netadmin role, similar to the sysadmin role, necessitates prior experience in entry-level roles like help desk analyst. With sufficient experience, you can take on advanced roles like network security engineer or computer network architect. In time, you could progress to a senior position like principal network administrator.

The breakdown below reveals the impact your experience level has on your median salary as a netadmin [2]:

• 0–1 year: $77,000

• 1–3 years: $82,000

• 4–6 years: $93,000

• 7–9 years: $98,000

• 10–14 years: $103,000

• 15+ years: $114,000

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of April 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Read more: Network Administrator Salary: Your Guide

How to pursue a career in system or network administration

Most organizations expect candidates for a system or network administrator role to have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. You can customize your education for either career path by choosing relevant courses.

If you aim to be a netadmin, you may benefit from cybersecurity, network engineering, and database administration courses. If you're interested in the role of a sysadmin, consider opting for courses on operating systems and device maintenance.

To stay competitive with industry trends, it’s beneficial to earn both vendor-specific and neutral certifications. As a sysadmin, you can pursue certifications such as Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), CompTIA Security+, and CompTIA Network+. As a netadmin, alongside CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+, you can also obtain certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Certified Network Defender (CND).

System administrator vs. network administrator: Which is better?

Netadmins focus on building and maintaining the infrastructure linking an organization’s computers. Sysadmins, in contrast, configure software and facilitate user access. The choice between these roles comes down to your individual career goals. 

It’s helpful to note that a network administrator is a specific type of system administrator who focuses on the network infrastructure of IT systems. 

Network administrator vs. system administrator salary

Sysadmins tend to have slightly higher salaries. As of April 2026, the median annual salary for sysadmins in the United States is $113,000 [1]. Netadmins, on the other hand, earn approximately $100,000 per year [2]. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation. 

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