How To Become A Network Security Administrator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a network security administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Expert

Laura Kier

Network security administrators make sure unauthorized people do not get access to company networks. They protect data and maintain functional computer systems by setting up firewalls and anti-virus software.

Working as a network security administrator, you will set passwords to restrict users and protect servers. You will assess the security needs of the companies you work for and design efficient security systems. Setting up and installing necessary applications will be your job as well.

You will often be asked to train employees on the correct use of security systems, too. You will create the service policy for the systems you set up, establish best practices, and be there to troubleshoot arising issues.

What general advice would you give to a Network Security Administrator?

Laura Kier

Network Design and Administration Instructor

Students graduating from the Computer Network Design and Administration program will enter the job market with a solid foundation in networking technologies. Above that they should also be able to develop and demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Networking has a strong emphasis on teamwork and being able to communicate well with customers, co-workers and teammates is vital. Attaining certifications in Cisco, Linux, Windows, and security will also help the student stand out within the industry (classes in the program help to learn the knowledge needed to attain certifications). Students should participate in any local or online communities and groups to enhance skills and knowledge and find networking opportunities.

ScoreNetwork Security AdministratorUS Average

Salary

6.4

Avg. Salary $82,247

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

5.7

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 11.77%

Black or African American 8.66%

Hispanic or Latino 12.35%

Unknown 5.06%

White 61.85%

Gender

female 12.93%

male 87.07%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress Level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

6.7

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

7.1

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a network security administrator

Explore network security administrator education requirements

Most common network security administrator degrees

Bachelor's

61.7 %

Associate

22.7 %

Master's

9.1 %

Start to develop specific network security administrator skills

Skills	Percentages
Network Security	8.25%
Troubleshoot	6.14%
Switches	5.66%
IDS	4.41%
Security Policies	3.72%

Complete relevant network security administrator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New network security administrators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a network security administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network security administrator resumes.

Gain additional network security administrator certifications

Network security administrator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific network security administrator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for network security administrators include Security 5 Certification and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

More About Certifications

Research network security administrator duties and responsibilities

Manage, configure, and verify available IP addresses.
Install, configure and manage virtual servers in a VMWare environment.
Monitor traffic/mail issues for IronPort and manage the VMWare network system, minimizing problems and maintaining smooth work flow.
Lead architecture and design sessions with customers; initiate technical meetings with customer engineers to further engage and identify additional opportunities.

Prepare your network security administrator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your network security administrator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a network security administrator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Network Security Administrator Resume templates

Build a professional Network Security Administrator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Network Security Administrator resume.

Apply for network security administrator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a network security administrator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

Average network security administrator salary

The average Network Security Administrator salary in the United States is $82,247 per year or $40 per hour. Network security administrator salaries range between $59,000 and $113,000 per year.

Average Network Security Administrator Salary

$82,247 Yearly

$39.54 hourly

How do network security administrators rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Network Security Administrator reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020

Pros

I love the fact that I have self taught myself by trouble shooting issues for fifteen years while working in corrections as the Video court officer with no prior experince or degree

A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019