Computer Network Administrator
Computer network administrators plan, establish, operate, maintain, and support the use of computer networks and related hardware and software.
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Computer Network Technician, Computer Specialist, Deployment Technician, Desktop Support Technician, Help Desk Support, Information System Technician, Information Technology Specialist, IT Manager, IT Support Specialist, IT System Administrator, IT Technician, Junior Network Analyst, Junior Network Operation Technician, Local Area Network Administrator, Network Support Specialist, Remote Operations Technician, Systems Analyst, Systems Administrator, SysAdmin, Technical Support Technician, User Support Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Computer networks vary in size and design. Some networks link two computers in the same building. Others link computers all over the world.
Computer network administrators manage:
A computer network administrator’s role depends on the size and nature of the network. They may assess, select, install, configure, or maintain:
Computer network administrators also:
Computer technology changes rapidly. Computer network administrators must constantly assess new products and change parts. To stay current, they share information via social media and open-source websites. They attend training courses and conferences and read computer-related articles, journals, and magazines.
Computer network administrators may work in offices and climate-controlled computer rooms. Some may work remotely to support a wide geographic area. Others may be asked or choose to work from home.
They may work standard office hours or 8- to 12-hour shifts. Shifts may include evenings, nights, and weekends. They sometimes work as part of a team.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, to co-ordinate access and use of computer networks and to install computer hardware, networking software and operating system software
Interest in compiling information to implement data, software and hardware security procedures; in performing routine network start up and shutdown, and in performing data backup and disaster recovery operations
Interest in assisting to provide problem-solving services to network users
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Computer network administrators need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 275 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 17, 2024 and Dec 23, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
Tasks: Evaluate and install computer hardware, networking software and operating system software | 244 |
---|---|
Tasks: Maintain, troubleshoot and administer the use of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), mainframe networks and computer workstations and peripheral equipment | 236 |
Tasks: Provide problem-solving services to network users | 235 |
Tasks: Perform routine network start up and close down and maintain control records | 227 |
Tasks: Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations | 205 |
Tasks: Set up local area networks and connections to the Internet | 185 |
Tasks: Implement network traffic and security monitoring software, and optimize server performance | 178 |
Tasks: Implement data, software and hardware security procedures | 175 |
Attention to detail | 155 |
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 134 |
Most computer network administrators have post-secondary training in computer science or programs offered by network software vendors.
Anyone interested in being a computer network administrator should talk to potential employers about training options before starting a training program.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Registration is available but is not usually required by employers.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop, or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies. They do so objectively applying specialized knowledge and professional judgement.
Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf]. This means that to call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the I.S.P. designation, you must be a registered member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta).
You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself an Information Systems Professional.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Information Systems Professional.
Some employers require applicants to become trained or certified for a specific type of network environment, such as:
For details, visit the companies’ websites.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Computer network administrators work for:
Some work as self-employed consultants.
Prospects for advancement depend on the size of the company and the employee’s qualifications. Experienced computer network administrators may move into related jobs, such as network analysts, systems analysts, or cloud administrators.
They may also advance to team lead or supervisory roles in their department, such as desktop support manager or remote operations manager.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Computer network technicians
2016 NOC: 2281
78.1% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $19.23 | $52.07 | $32.32 | $30.31 |
Overall | $24.00 | $57.69 | $38.88 | $36.28 |
Top | $26.44 | $64.62 | $44.50 | $43.27 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
ALL INDUSTRIES | $76,762 |
---|---|
Construction | $78,141 |
Manufacturing | $69,519 |
Wholesale Trade | $64,433 |
Retail Trade | $60,148 |
Information, Culture, Recreation | $68,180 |
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $70,181 |
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $74,208 |
Educational Services | $74,999 |
Health Care & Social Assistance | $90,060 |
Public Administration | $92,578 |
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: ab.cips.ca
Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.