Network and computer systems administrators
SOC Code: 15-1244
Network and computer systems administrators carries a 32% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $96,800 and -4.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 331,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Network and computer systems administrators (SOC 15-1244) carries an AI exposure score of 32%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 331,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -4.2% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $96,800, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Network and computer systems administrators. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
- 2. Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
- 3. Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
- 4. Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
- 5. Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use.
- 6. Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and where changes will be needed in the future.
- 7. Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
- 8. Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.
- 9. Implement and provide technical support for voice services and equipment, such as private branch exchange, voice mail system, and telecom system.
- 10. Confer with network users about solutions to existing system problems.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Analysis
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
- Systems Evaluation
- Programming
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
- Mathematics
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Network and computer systems administrators?
Network and computer systems administrators has an AI exposure score of 32%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Network and computer systems administrators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Network and computer systems administrators is projected to decline by 4.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 331,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Network and computer systems administrators?
Key skills for Network and computer systems administrators include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Network and computer systems administrators earn?
The median annual wage for Network and computer systems administrators is $96,800, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Network and computer systems administrators?
The typical entry-level education for Network and computer systems administrators is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Network and computer systems administrators?
Network and computer systems administrators roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).