Systems administrators play a core role in managing a company’s IT infrastructure and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Becoming a systems administrator involves a combination of educational courses, technical skills, and experience. To get started, learn about the ins and outs of a systems administrator’s role and responsibilities.
What Does a Systems Administrator Do?
The job description for a systems administrator includes maintaining the performance, security, and reliability of an organization’s computer systems. The goal is to ensure that everything is running efficiently on the tech side of a company. While responsibilities can vary depending on where you’re working, common tasks include:
Installing, configuring, and maintaining computer systems, servers, and network devices.
Monitoring systems performance and diagnosing and resolving issues.
Implementing security measures and maintaining data backup systems.
Upgrading software and hardware systems and staying up to date with the latest technologies.
Managing user accounts, security, and data access.
Collaborating with other IT professionals, such as software engineers, to develop and implement new solutions and technologies.
Ensuring high availability of mission-critical systems.
Monitoring systems performance and taking corrective actions to resolve issues.
Developing and maintaining documentation for systems configurations and processes.
Implementing security measures to protect systems and data.
Providing technical support to users.
Systems Administrator Salary
The average salary for a systems administrator varies depending on several factors. A senior systems administrator can earn an average of $90,000 to $140,000 per year, while a junior systems administrator earns an average salary range of $60,000 to $90,000 per year.
The difference in salary not only stems from level of expertise and experience but also the size and location of the company. While general responsibilities may be similar, the specific assigned duties may vary from company to company which can also account for the differences in salary.
Interview Questions for Systems Administrator Roles
Interview questions when applying for a systems administrator role are meant to gauge your experience. You can expect questions to cover everything from your background to your technical skills. You may even be asked to perform tests that demonstrate your expertise. To help you prepare, we’ve listed a few questions you may encounter while interviewing:
What experience do you have with Windows and Linux operating systems?
How do you stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends in the field?
Describe a time when you had to diagnose and resolve a complex technical issue.
How do you prioritize tasks when dealing with multiple projects at the same time?
Can you explain how you would secure a server against potential threats?
How do you manage user accounts, permissions, and security in a multi-user environment?
Systems Administrator Training
You don’t have to sit through four years of college to become a systems administrator. Centriq offers a systems administrator training program that focuses on the specific technology skills you need to land a job and pass the certifications that prove you’re a pro.
Certification programs provide you with a comprehensive overview of technologies, concepts, and best practices in the IT industry. It’s just one way of showing your commitment to the field and willingness to invest in your professional development. Earning certifications such as the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, or Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) can demonstrate your technical skills and knowledge to future potential employers.
Remote Systems Administration Jobs
Remote work and cloud computing are becoming a common industry practice which means the demand for remote Systems Administrators has increased. In a remote role, you’ll be expected to manage and maintain the IT infrastructure of an organization all from the comforts of home.
Ready to start the journey to your next career? Check out the IT training program we offer at Centriq and you’ll be ready for your new IT career in just four short months! With hands-on training, expert instructors, and real-world experience, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in a rewarding and challenging systems administrator role.