There are many variables that can affect a network administrator's salary. A person's education, experience and locale often play a role in determining his or her salary. A network administrator's salary can also vary depending upon the level of proficiency that he or she has with specific networking technologies. The combination of these various parameters can cause an administrator's annual salary to vary greatly.
Many companies require a network administrator candidate to have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems. Candidates who possess a graduate degree in one of these fields will often be able to obtain higher paying positions. The prestige of a school can also play a role in determining a network administrator's salary, because a graduate from a prestigious university often receives a higher salary and bonuses than his or her counterparts who graduated from lesser-known schools.
In addition to education, work experience will also play a significant role in determining a network administrator's salary. A person who has decades of experience will often be able to command a higher salary than a person who has only a few years of experience. The type of experience that a person has acquired will also play a role in determining his or her salary. A person who has experience as a network administrator for a large international technology firm, for example, generally will be able to command a higher salary than a person who has worked as an administrator for a small local company.
Certifications also play a part in determining a network administrator's salary. Obtaining certifications is a popular method for quantifying one's knowledge. A person who has multiple certifications is often seen as a knowledgeable administrator, and when these certifications are coupled with years of real-world experience, it can have a positive effect on a network administrator's salary.
Proficiency in specific networking technologies also can play a role in a network administrator's salary. As technology changes and evolves, there is a consistent demand for administrators who are knowledgeable in the latest networking trends and technologies. Candidates who have taken the time to learn and become certified in the popular technologies can often earn more than other network administrators.
Location can also have an effect on a network administrator's salary. Individuals in large metropolitan areas generally will command a higher salary than administrators in smaller cities. Areas that are known to be technological hubs will often pay administrators higher-than-average salaries to hire the best candidates.
