OVERVIEW
What Is a Server Administrator?
A server administrator is a detail-oriented overseer. They are the first and final person responsible for how a business’s servers are running. They manage and monitor those servers, likely with a team of junior IT staff.
Depending on the size of a company server administrators and system administrators may share some overlap—often, the two roles will be combined into one. Though at a larger company, with more daily server tasks to monitor and a large IT department, server administrators have plenty to do on their own.
Logical and analytically minded individuals would thrive in a server administrator role. Server administrators provide regular maintenance and daily audits to a company’s data center, in addition to setting the servers up. They are motivated by continually working to get servers at maximum capacity, sometimes working on the same project or task for an extended period of time.
If you have a natural interest in information technology, a desire to lead and mentor a team, and a knack for building and rebuilding until something is working with optimum impact, you would likely find a lot of joy in a server administrator career path.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Server Administrator Do?
Day-to-day duties for server administrators can vary. While you will primarily set up, monitor, and work to optimize servers, your industry and company will dictate the additional equipment that completes your network.
Server administrators are expected to be excellent communicators and delegators, informing and working cross-departmentally on a frequent basis.
Some tasks you should be prepared to do:
- Install and maintain multiple types of hardware and software
- Create user accounts and troubleshoot user issues
- Provide backup and recovery options
- Design and implement IT solutions for company problems
- Give continuous support to IT department
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Server Administrator?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most employers require network and computer administrators to have a bachelor’s degree in information technology. This includes system administrators and server administrators. In an IT bachelor’s degree program you’ll learn important skills about scripting, networks, web development, and technical communication—all of which are important for success in a career as a server administrator.
Do I Need a Server Administrator Certification for This Position?
While there is not one specific certification required for all server administrator positions, each server operating system is specialized, and server administrators need to be trained in those specifications. A need for a vendor certification or specific industry certification may present itself later in your career exploration. It’s always valuable to pursue a degree and industry certifications if possible, so you can boost your résumé and enhance your capabilities. Certifications such as CompTIA, Amazon AWS, and ITIL may be extremely helpful as you progress in a server administration career. Degree programs like those offered at WGU may be able to give you the path to both a degree and top industry certifications at the same time.
Best Degrees for Server Administrators
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,725 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Technology
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster...
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster pace with fewer courses.
- Time: Approximately 5 years.
- Tuition: $3,835 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $4,040 per term for the master's portion.
- Courses: 42 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- PMI CAPM
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.
Technology
Cloud Computing – B.S.
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and...
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and credentials you need for a career like systems administrator, computer systems analyst, cloud support specialist, AWS support administrator, and more.
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 37 months.
- Transfer: Your previous college coursework and existing certifications may waive course requirements, helping you finish even faster.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
- 3 Tracks: Choose between a multi-cloud, AWS, or Azure focused track to learn specific software specialties.
Certifications at no extra cost, including:
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Amazon AWS SysOps Administration–Associate
- Azure Fundamentals
- Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
- LPI Linux Essentials
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and Automation
- Managing Cloud Security
- Development
- Applications
- Ongoing maintenance and security
Technology
Information Technology Management – M.S.
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead....
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,040 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
- Technology operations and integration
- Sourcing and planning
- Risks and influence
- Solutions development
- Project management
Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up.
How Much Does a Server Administrator Make?
$61,484
Server administrators, on average, made $61,484 per year in 2021, according to Payscale. Additional certifications and continued experience set server administrators to be among the higher earners of network, server, and system administrators. Pay can vary greatly depending on the industry and size of the company that you pursue.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
Favorable
The demand for IT professionals is quite high, according to the BLS. Server administrators can expect favorable career prospects for the foreseeable future, especially those with experience and certifications in cloud computing.
It’s common for server administrators to have cross-divisional experience in IT, which gives long-term security for future management positions like computer network architects and computer and information systems managers.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Server Administrator Need?
Server administrators are highly analytical and deal with the nuances of servers and systems that many cannot pick up on. They should have a keen eye for details and a determination to find a solution in a timely yet thorough manner.
That being said, server administrators also are likely to lead a team and mentor junior IT professionals. In addition to their logistical skills, they should have recognition for soft skills like communication and understanding.
Qualities that employers look for in a server administrator include:
- Analytically minded with an ability to evaluate systems
- Reliability and timeliness
- Task-oriented
- Proactive and anticipatory when auditing for potential issues
- Multitasking abilities to work on multiple projects simultaneously
- Confidentiality and trust when working with proprietary information
- Problem-solving skills, especially when working autonomously
- Curious thinker
- Optimistic
- Interpersonal skills with an interest in counseling those from unique backgrounds and circumstances
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