IT network administrator job description.
Hiring an IT network administrator or joining a network operations team? This IT network administrator job description covers tasks like monitoring performance, configuring network devices, resolving outages, and maintaining connectivity. It also outlines key certifications and expected salary ranges in the UK.
What does an IT network administrator do?
An IT network administrator is responsible for maintaining the day-to-day health of a company’s network systems. They manage routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure to ensure reliable and secure connectivity.
Key tasks include configuring network devices, managing user access, monitoring network performance, applying patches, and responding to connectivity issues. They may also assist with basic security measures such as firewall rule changes or VPN setup.
In smaller businesses, network administrators often manage the full network stack. In larger organisations, they typically focus on operational support under the direction of a network engineer or manager.
Key responsibilities of an IT network administrator.
Network administrators manage internal networks to ensure connectivity, security, and performance. Their responsibilities include:
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Configuring routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless networks
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Monitoring network performance and troubleshooting outages
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Managing user access, IP addressing, and VLAN configurations
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Performing routine maintenance, firmware updates, and patching
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Supporting remote access solutions such as VPN or SD-WAN
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Assisting in firewall rule configuration and network segmentation
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Maintaining network documentation, diagrams, and change logs
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Collaborating with infrastructure and security teams on cross-functional tasks
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Responding to incidents and escalations involving connectivity
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Ensuring compliance with internal network policies and security standards
This role combines operational support with proactive network maintenance.
Skills and requirements for an IT network administrator.
Network administrators maintain internal network infrastructure. Employers typically look for:
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2–4 years of experience in network or systems support
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Understanding of LAN/WAN, routing, and switching protocols
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Experience with firewalls, VPNs, and access control
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Ability to monitor network health, bandwidth, and uptime
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Skilled in troubleshooting connectivity issues and hardware faults
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Familiarity with network configuration and performance tools
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Ability to document configurations and incident resolutions
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Comfortable supporting security audits and access reviews
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Strong attention to detail and issue triage
Most network administrators support wired and wireless networks daily.
Average salary for an IT network administrator.
In the UK, the average salary for an IT network administrator typically ranges from £28,000 to £40,000, depending on systems managed, troubleshooting skills, and infrastructure size.
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Mid-level network administrators tend to earn between £28,000 and £34,000
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Senior administrators managing firewalls, VPNs, or remote access may earn between £35,000 and £40,000
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Cisco or CompTIA Network+ certifications can boost salary prospects
Higher salaries are available in finance, managed services, and mid-to-large enterprises in major UK cities.
Career progression for an IT network administrator.
An IT network administrator supports and manages an organisation’s network infrastructure, ensuring connectivity, performance, and security. This technical role forms the foundation for more senior infrastructure and architecture positions. A typical progression path includes:
IT support technician / Junior network engineer
Assists with basic networking tasks such as configuring routers, switches, and resolving connectivity issues.
IT network administrator
Manages LAN/WAN infrastructure, monitors traffic and performance, and supports network maintenance and documentation.
Network engineer / Senior administrator
Leads complex troubleshooting, upgrades network infrastructure, and ensures compliance with security protocols.
IT network manager
Oversees networking teams and projects. Aligns performance with business uptime and service availability goals.
Network architect / Head of infrastructure
Designs enterprise-level network architecture. Defines protocols, scalability plans, and disaster recovery strategies.
salary guide
Our UK IT salary guide.
Network administrators manage switches, firewalls, and internal network performance. Salary should reflect their role in uptime, security, and maintenance.
Our UK IT salary guide includes network support benchmarks, 2024 comparisons, hiring insight, and projections into 2026.
FAQS
IT network administrator FAQs.
Network administrators are vital in organisations with in-house data centres, on-prem infrastructure, or hybrid cloud environments — including universities, hospitals, government agencies, and financial services. MSPs also employ them to support multi-client estates.
A network administrator focuses on switches, routers, firewalls, and connectivity — whereas Systems Administrators manage endpoints, file servers, or virtual machines. Network roles demand deeper understanding of protocols, routing, and segmentation.
Cisco’s CCNA is a common requirement. Others may include CompTIA Network+, MikroTik, or Fortinet certifications — depending on vendor environments. Demonstrable experience with network monitoring tools is often equally important.
Persistent latency, IP conflicts, unauthorised access points, or unreliable VPN connections. A skilled network administrator keeps the business connected securely and with minimal downtime.
Progression often leads to chief information officer (CIO), chief technology officer (CTO), or broader digital leadership roles — especially in tech-driven businesses or complex organisations.
