• Support Specialist: Support specialists are often how aspiring network administrators start out. They specialize in addressing individual problems and resolving them quickly.
• Computer Security Specialist: Computer security specialists deal specifically with the privacy and security on the data of a company's computer network.
• Telecommunications Specialist: They focus on the interaction between computers and telecommunications equipment and set up telecommunications networks.
• Web Administrator: Web administrators maintain a company's website, ensuring that it is easy for a customer to access and use the site.
• Network Architect: Network architects design larger computer networks, working not just in one office or building, but on whole areas of computer networks.

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2 years to complete

There are largely three degrees available to those seeking work in the field of network administration. The level of responsibility that the job you're seeking entails essentially determines the type of degree you are required to have.

An associate degree in network administration or a related field takes two years to complete and is offered by many junior and community colleges, as well as some traditional four-year schools and technical colleges. They receive a background in mathematics and statistics as well as classes specifically focused to give them the hands-on computer training they need to start working as a support specialist right away. Many specialists eventually work their way up to the role of network administrator.

To immediately become a network administrator, a bachelor's degree is usually required. This may be specifically in network administration—more generally in computer science—or really in any field, as long as a significant number of computer courses were completed. Students start off in their general education requirements, and then advance forward to computer programming and computer science classes.

In order to advance within their organizations, some network administrators pursue a master's degree. This is typically a master's in business administration, with a focus on information systems. This gives them the business background necessary to move into more executive or managerial roles within their companies or organizations. (BLS)

There are no required certifications to become a network administrator. There are common traits that network administrators typically possess. They often work well in teams and perform well in a large office setting, moving around and interacting with many different people throughout the day. They are good multi-taskers, and they are often required to work independently and with less oversight than the typical employee.

Network administrators looking to advance their careers and gain more experience can receive training and certifications from different sources. Product vendors and computer associations offer training in specific software or hardware that can expand the network administrator's skill set. (BLS)

The salary of a network administrator can vary to some extent, and it primarily depends on where you work and how much experience you have. Those with little experience, or who are working with government organizations, can expect to make close to $50,000-$60,000 per year in their jobs.

Those with more experience, or with roles in large corporations -- especially those who design systems -- see increased pay. Their salaries often fall between $70,000 and $100,000 each year. (BLS)

Job growth for network administrators is expected to be much faster than average. This is because businesses are increasingly investing in technology in order to streamline their operations and more effectively reach consumers. Also, there will be an increasingly high demand to ensure that data stored on computers remains secure from attack. Due to this rapid growth, there are expected to be many job openings available for those with the training to be a network administrator. (BLS)

While network administrators focus on creating and maintaining a working system of computers, computer programmers focus on creating and maintaining computer software. They often create specific software for certain businesses or companies to improve efficiency and make jobs easier. To do this, they have many of the same technical skills and background in computers that network administrators possess. (BLS)

Computer networking encompasses a broad range of professionals. And while network administrators may be responsible for setting up and designing an organization's computer systems, there are other jobs to be done as well. For example, there are service techs who focus solely on addressing customer needs and immediately resolving problems on a much smaller level. (BLS)

Another broad field of computer and telecommunications professionals, information technology also overlaps with network administrators. IT professionals perform a broad range of jobs, from collecting and retaining data in a system, to analyzing web traffic to help companies see patterns. However, they require much of the same technical skills that network administrators utilize in their role in an office. (BLS)