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Computer Network Administrator: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you love computers? Do you follow the latest developments in technology? Are you good at explaining technology solutions to others? Then you may want to expand your network with a career as a computer network administrator.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Computer Network Administrator

Computer network administrators plan, establish, operate, maintain, and support the use of computer networks and related hardware and software.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

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

NOC Codes

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

  • 2281.1: Computer and Network Operators

2006 NOC-S

  • C181: Computer and Network Operators and Web Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2281: Computer network technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2281: Computer network technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22220: Computer network and web technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22220.02: Web technicians
Duties
Updated Apr 07, 2022

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:

  • Local area networks (LANs)
  • Wide area networks (WANs)
  • Hardware in the network, such as PCs, laptops, mobile devices, switches, and firewalls
  • Software and servers
  • Cloud technologies
  • Internet
  • Wireless technologies

A computer network administrator’s role depends on the size and nature of the network. They may assess, select, install, configure, or maintain:

  • Networking and operating system software
  • Networking hardware such as switches, VPNs, and wireless access points
  • Storage devices such as NAS (network attached storage) and SAN (storage area network)
  • Computer workstations, connected equipment (such as printers), or mobile devices
  • Virtual environments such as the VMware vCenter, and Microsoft Hyper-V
  • Cloud-based services

Computer network administrators also:

  • Diagnose and solve problems
  • Replace faulty hardware and software
  • Operate master consoles to monitor system and network performance and coordinate network use
  • Keep records and prepare reports on topics such as systems operations
  • Oversee the installation of copper and wireless network media
  • Implement data, software, and hardware security procedures such as ensuring secure connections for a remote workforce
  • Perform data backups and disaster recovery procedures
  • Manage backups using tapes, disks, or cloud storage such as infrastructure as a service (IAAS) or offsite backup

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.

Working Conditions
Updated Apr 07, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

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.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
R
Realistic
This occupation
You
I
Investigative
C
Conventional
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Web technicians
2023 OaSIS: 22220.02

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Realistic

    Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

  • 2
    Investigative

    Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

  • 3
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Web technicians
2023 OaSIS: 22220.02

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Apr 07, 2022

Computer network administrators need:

  • Logical thinking skills
  • Communication skills
  • People skills
  • The ability to study complex problems
  • The ability to be calm and efficient under pressure
  • The ability to ask the right questions to understand problems
  • A keen interest in keeping up to date with technology

They should enjoy:

  • Studying information and solving problems
  • Taking a step-by-step approach to precision tasks
  • Consulting with others
  • Working with changing technologies
  • Interacting with and helping others

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Computer network technicians

2016 NOC: 2281

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Sep 29, 2024 and Oct 27, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Evaluate and install computer hardware, networking software and operating system software
Tasks: Maintain, troubleshoot and administer the use of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), mainframe networks and computer workstations and peripheral equipment
Tasks: Provide problem-solving services to network users
Tasks: Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations
Attention to detail
Tasks: Implement network traffic and security monitoring software, and optimize server performance
Tasks: Perform routine network start up and close down and maintain control records
Tasks: Implement data, software and hardware security procedures
Tasks: Set up local area networks and connections to the Internet
Organized
Tasks: Evaluate and install computer hardware, networking software and operating system software 82
Tasks: Maintain, troubleshoot and administer the use of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), mainframe networks and computer workstations and peripheral equipment 78
Tasks: Provide problem-solving services to network users 77
Tasks: Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations 72
Attention to detail 65
Tasks: Implement network traffic and security monitoring software, and optimize server performance 64
Tasks: Perform routine network start up and close down and maintain control records 63
Tasks: Implement data, software and hardware security procedures 58
Tasks: Set up local area networks and connections to the Internet 56
Construction Specialization: Organized 54
Educational Requirements
Updated Apr 07, 2022
  • Minimum Education Varies

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.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

ABM College
Academy of Learning - Calgary Central
Academy of Learning - Calgary NE
Academy of Learning - Edmonton Downtown
Academy of Learning - Edmonton South
Academy of Learning - Edmonton West
Academy of Learning - Medicine Hat
Academy of Learning - Red Deer
Ace Career College
Bay River College
Bow Valley College
Canadian Imperial College
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary South
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton South
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton West
Central Institute of Technology Inc.
InnoTech College (Calgary)
InnoTech College (Edmonton)
Keyano College
Lethbridge Polytechnic
Medicine Hat College
Momentum
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Northern Lakes College
Northwestern Polytechnic
Peerless College
Red Deer Polytechnic
Robertson College - Calgary
Robertson College - Edmonton
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Sundance College
Sundance College - Edmonton
University of Calgary

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Apr 07, 2022
  • Certification Provincially regulated

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 Professional

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.

Legislation

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.

Additional Information

Some employers require applicants to become trained or certified for a specific type of network environment, such as:

  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and other certifications offered by Cisco
  • Microsoft Certified certifications offered by Microsoft

For details, visit the companies’ websites.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Apr 07, 2022

Computer network administrators work for:

  • Medium to large companies
  • Government departments
  • Consulting firms
  • Managed service providers (MSP, or third-party service provider)
  • Healthcare providers
  • School boards
  • Post-secondary institutions
  • Oil and gas companies

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.

Industry Concentration

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.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation 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.

Computer network and web technicians
2021 NOC: 22220
Balanced
Job Market
4,600
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Computer network technicians
2016 NOC: 2281
2.6%
Annual Growth
(Above average)
248
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Apr 07, 2022

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Computer network and web technicians

2021 NOC: 22220
Average Wage
$40.59
Per Hour
Average Salary
$81,233.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 22220 Wage Profile

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 to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $22.00 $55.20 $34.28 $31.00
Overall $26.00 $62.50 $40.59 $38.46
Top $26.00 $69.71 $47.84 $50.00

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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Oil & Gas Extraction
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Information, Culture, Recreation
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $81,233
Oil & Gas Extraction $104,378
Construction $81,792
Manufacturing $72,422
Wholesale Trade $68,548
Information, Culture, Recreation $67,582
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $77,177
Educational Services $75,151
Health Care & Social Assistance $86,236
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) $66,296
Public Administration $94,379

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
34%
34%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
16%
16%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
4%
Related High School Subjects
  • Business, Administration, Finance and IT
    • Computing Science
    • Networking
  • English Language Arts
  • Science
  • Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation
    • Electro-Technologies
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Computer and Information Technology
Other Sources of Information
Updated Apr 07, 2022

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.

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