Businesses need network administrators to keep their computer network infrastructure in peak condition. If you are a computer systems analyst, programmer, or software developer, you can get a job as a network administrator. The projected growth rate in this field is five percent from 2020 to 2030.
There are many reasons to consider working for one of the best highest-paying network administrator companies. In this article, you’ll learn about the best companies for network administrators and how you can become a network administrator and leverage this lucrative career.
What Is a Network Administrator?
Network administrators are responsible for designing, managing, and maintaining network devices and network technologies. These experts often work in government and private agencies to oversee wide area networks, local area networks, and data communication systems. They support team members by ensuring efficiency with communication networks and data storage use.
Among many other duties, they check for network failure, repair network hardware, follow network protocols, handle network operations, and maintain network access. A network administrator will collaborate with computer-related operational staff like a systems administrator, network engineer, and network architect.
How to Get a Network Administration Job
Network administrators can study online through a degree program through a university. You can also pursue an online coding bootcamp or an associate degree program to qualify for entry-level positions. However, the steps below will focus on degrees.
- Get a degree. In some cases, employers prefer candidates who possess bachelor’s degrees. While a coding bootcamp can help you break into this field, earning a bachelor’s degree will ensure that you qualify for a broader range of jobs.
- Get certified. Most employers do not require certifications to hire network administrators. However, certifications from top vendors can increase your chances of getting the job. Two notable certifications for network administration are the Cisco Certified Network Professional and Cisco Certified Network Associate.
- Get experience. You can increase your chances of landing a job after your degree or training by gaining experience. A good way to do this is to apply for internships.
- Build a portfolio. For most tech roles, including network administrators, a portfolio is important because it shows your potential employer what you can do. You should build one before applying for entry-level jobs.
- Apply for jobs. Start by applying for entry-level network administrator roles. LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are good places to start.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Network Administration Companies
| Company | Salary for Network Administrators |
|---|---|
| Accenture | $127,773 |
| Apple | $119,664 |
| HCL Technologies | $89,926 |
| L&T Infotech (LTI) | $87,455 |
| Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) | $87,093 |
| Dell Technologies | $84,756 |
| Robert Half | $81,360 |
| General Dynamics Information Technology | $75,000 |
| AT&T | $68,490 |
| US Airforce | $52,758 |
Accenture
Accenture offers a wide range of services to customers across the globe. Some services cover digital, strategy, technology, management, and operations consulting. Aside from its employment of network administrators, the company also hires analysts, engineers, and assistants.
What Does Accenture Pay Its Network Administrators?
The average salary of network administrators at Accenture is $127,773 per year. This figure is 82 percent above the national average. Employees also enjoy excess liability insurance, retirement plans, pet insurance, identity theft insurance, and legal services plans.
Accenture Reviews
Accenture is a great company to work for because of its perks and benefits. The compensation is also one of the highest in the industry. The company cares for its employees and allows them to work in a casual atmosphere. The management supports employees and encourages workers to collaborate.
Apple
Apple is an American technology company that produces smart devices and offers other online services. In addition to network administrators, Apple hires 3engineers, technical specialists, retail representatives, data scientists, and customer relations specialists.
What Does Apple Pay Its Network Administrators?
Apple pays its network administrators an average salary of $119,664 per year. This sum is 70 percent above the national average. Employees enjoy other benefits like bonuses, health insurance, 401K, and health savings accounts.
Apple Reviews
Apple has glowing reviews from its current and past employees. The managers support employees, creating a warm working environment. Employees also enjoy making use of discounts and free food in the staff area.
HCL Technologies
HCL Technologies is a multinational IT services company that offers digital technology transformation for businesses. The company provides software services for businesses to help them reimagine their brand for a digital world. This company hires software developers, software engineers, and other business development professionals.
What Does HCL Technologies Pay Its Network Administrators?
HCL Technologies pays its network administrators an average salary of $89,926 per year. This figure is 28 percent above the national average, and employees get paternity and maternity leave, employee assistance, health insurance, and paid time off.
HCL Technologies Reviews
The company has mixed reviews from employees based in the US. It is a good platform for learning as a new network administrator, but may not be great for long-term growth. It offers job security and other perks like health insurance. However, climbing up the ladder career-wise seems more difficult than it should be.
L&T Infotech (LTI)
This company is a multinational digital solution and consulting firm. It helps businesses to accelerate their digital transformation processes. The company also hires data engineers, software engineers, project managers, and data analysts.
What Does L&T Infotech Pay Its Network Administrators?
Network administrators at LTI earn an average salary of $87,455. This sum is nine percent higher than the national average. Along with its reasonable compensation, employees also receive perks and benefits like health insurance, free food, and free transport.
L&T Infotech Reviews
LTI has great company reviews, and many employees speak highly of management. It has a collaborative environment and is an excellent place to work long-term.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
TCS is a multinational company with headquarters in India. The company offers consulting and IT services. Aside from network administrators, the company hires customer relations specialists, financial analysts, business developers, and database administrators.
What Does Tata Consultancy Services Pay Its Network Administrators?
On average, network administrators earn $87,093 per year. This sum is 24 percent above the national average and it comes with some perks and benefits. They include health insurance, paid time off, a retirement plan, parental leave, and discounts.
Tata Consultancy Services Reviews
TCS has good management and offers low-stress job conditions. According to reviews, employees enjoy flexible work time and work well together. While the salary may be lower than others in the industry, there is much to learn to advance your career.
Dell Technologies
Dell Technologies Inc is a technology company that provides personal computers, televisions, smartphones, servers, computer software, information security services, and network security. The company also hires software engineers, account executives, and sales representatives.
What Does Dell Technologies Pay Its Network Administrators?
The average salary of Dell Technologies network administrators is $84,756 per year. The salary range may differ in some cases, but starts with an average base salary of $70,409 and increases to $135,600. The employees also enjoy health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, death and life insurance, and flexible savings accounts.
Dell Technologies Reviews
Dell Technologies offers commissions to its employees, and management gives employees the freedom to handle their roles. Employees receive good benefits and training to prepare them for the role. There is room for growth in this company, and Dell uses employee feedback to make positive changes.
Robert Half
Robert Half is an American company that connects job seekers and employers to staff positions in different industries like law, finance, and technology. The company offers jobs to engineers, accountants, and clerks.
What Does Robert Half Pay Its Network Administrators?
Network administrators at Robert Half receive an average annual salary of $81,360. The salary range is often from $59,230 to $100,344. Employees also receive paid vacations, health insurance, and parental leave.
Robert Half Reviews
There is a good work-life balance at Robert Half, and employees get to work on a set schedule. This could be tough to get used to as a newbie, but it doesn’t take long for employees to master the system. The commission offers motivation to work harder.
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General Dynamics Information Technology
General Dynamics Information Technology or GDIT is a multinational information technology company that supports defense projects, governments, and other intelligence projects. The company offers tech solutions, strategy, and mission services. Some services include cloud, AI, partner ecosystem, cyber and data analytics, and technology delivery models.
What Does General Dynamics Information Technology Pay Its Network Administrators?
The average annual salary of GDIT network administrators is $75,000. This figure is seven percent above the national average but it comes with some perks and benefits. These include health insurance, dental insurance, a flexible spending account, supplemental life insurance, and vision insurance.
General Dynamics Information Technology Reviews
This company has some positive and negative reviews. Raises do not come easily and the company may not be ideal for a long-term stay. It is better for new graduates who want to gain some experience. The company does offer some perks but according to reviews, they could improve.
AT&T
AT&T is a telecommunications company that provides mobile telephone services to users. This American company also hires engineers, web developers, and other technical experts.
What Does AT&T Pay Its Network Administrators?
AT&T Network Administrators make an average salary of $68,490 per year. This figure is the same as the national average. Nonetheless, the employees enjoy benefits from working with the company, such as health insurance, dental insurance, and disability insurance.
AT&T Reviews
The company is well-run and offers excellent benefits. Salaries are not as high as others, but the pay rises with time. There may be a need to work overtime, but employees are generously reimbursed for their time. It is a good place to start a career as it offers stability and allows you to gain valuable experience.
US Airforce
The US Airforce was established to serve Americans. However, it is also an employer of tech professionals. It currently has thousands of civilians working in different fields. Whether you work part-time or full-time, the US Airforce believes that everyone plays a crucial role in helping them attain mission success.
What Does the US Air Force Pay Its Network Administrators?
A network administrator role in the US Airforce earns an average annual salary of $52,758. This figure is 25 percent below the national average. However, the perks and benefits make up for it. Some include paid holiday, sick leave, retirement programs, bonuses, and awards.
US Airforce Reviews
This job can be difficult for civilians to adapt to at first. The job benefits are great and the work is not very demanding. Aside from the benefits and perks, employees learn core values, integrity, and leadership. This gives them a chance to grow into experienced professionals.
Why You Should Become a Network Administrator in 2023
You should become a network administrator in 2023 if you want to work in a stable environment with minimal supervision. The role involves network troubleshooting, network architecture, and keeping operating systems stable. This is essential in many businesses as the expert maintains network security.
The role is also well-compensated with opportunities for job growth as people rely on systems that work well. In some cases, you may not need a degree to secure a job in this field. It is an expanding field due to the rapid growth of ecommerce in the last few years.
Best Companies for Network Administrators FAQ
Network administrators work in engineering services, scientific and technical consulting services, colleges and universities, manufacturing, and human resources. They are essential team members in companies or businesses that require network support.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a five percent growth in the network administration field is expected from 2020 to 2030. Even though it is slower than average for all occupations, there are a lot of benefits that come from working in this expanding field.
Network administrators make an average of $67,283, per year. Depending on the company you work for, this could increase to $112,350, annually. Other factors, like location and level of experience, also impact your annual salary. A network administrator in Washington DC could earn as much as $87,782, while a Houston network administrator receives an average of $61,187, per year.
Network administration is a good career for people who enjoy working on hardware and software. The field has growth potential and you can earn more with increased experience. If you keep updated with industry practices and update your technical skills, you could have a good career in this field.
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