Occupation
Network administrator
Network administrators design, configure, and maintain the networks that connect an organisation's devices, sites, and services. When connectivity fails, they are the people who work out whether the problem is a cable, a configuration, or a provider.
Also known as: Network manager · LAN administrator · Network engineer
Occupation content
Part of Information technology, data and cybersecurity
What the work involves
- Configure switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless access points
- Monitor network traffic and investigate congestion or outages
- Segment networks and maintain firewall and access rules
- Plan and carry out network changes with minimal disruption
- Keep network diagrams, address plans, and change records current
How people commonly enter
- A college diploma or certificate in networking or computer systems technology
- A degree in information technology, computer science, or network engineering
- Networking vendor certifications alongside hands-on experience
- An apprenticeship route in network engineering or digital infrastructure
- Progression from a network technician or IT support role
Typical training: Certificate or college diploma
Licensing: Certification common, not usually required
Pathways: Apprenticeship route
Typical work context
Team based · Desk based · High responsibility · Varied work · Shift work · Hybrid office
Related interests
Realistic (hands-on) · Conventional (organizing) · Investigative (analytical)
Related aptitude preparation
These are preparation links only. They do not measure eligibility for this occupation and no score here qualifies or disqualifies anyone.
Skills to practise
- Technical reasoning
- Diagrammatic reasoning
- Problem solving
- Attention and concentration
- Logical reasoning
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Information technology, data and cybersecurity.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Network and Computer Systems Administrators · United States
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- O*NET OnLine — Network and Computer Systems Administrators (15-1244.00) · International
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- UK National Careers Service — Network manager · United Kingdom
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Information technology, data and cybersecurity in Canada, not a figure for Network administrator. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Information technology, data and cybersecurity family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Information technology, data and cybersecurity: education pathways
Some roles in Information technology, data and cybersecurity may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Information technology, data and cybersecurity: licensing
Find jobs
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- Search Canada Job Bank · Canada
- Search USAJOBS · United States federal
- Search EURES · European Union / EEA
- Search Indeed · International (choose location on Indeed)