Description
Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
Interests
- Investigative
- Conventional
- Realistic
Work Values
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Independence
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Analytical Thinking
- Dependability
- Initiative
- Integrity
Tasks
- Develop disaster recovery plans.
- Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
- Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
- Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
- Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Technology Skills
- Web platform development software
- Instant messaging software
- Network monitoring software
- Development environment software
- Operating system software
Abilities
- Category Flexibility
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Oral Comprehension
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
- Programming
- Systems Evaluation
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
- English Language
- Education and Training
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
IBM Certified System Administrator - Notes and Domino 9.0Certifying Organization
IBM Corporation
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
Certified Wireless Network AdministratorCertifying Organization
Certified Wireless Network Professional
Type
Core
Certifying Organization
Hewlett Packard Certification and Learning
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
IBM Certified System Administrator - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5.5Certifying Organization
IBM Corporation
Type
Product/Equipment
Certifying Organization
IBM Corporation
Type
Product/Equipment
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $85,837 |
| Median (50%) | $123,916 |
| High (90%) | $162,026 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $91,940 |
| Mid Level | $118,860 |
| Senior Level | $130,651 |
| Expert Level | $154,336 |
Employability
There are currently 177,800 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 201,700 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 13%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 13%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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