Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.
AI Impact Summary
Network and Computer Systems Administrators faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 38/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 74% of all analyzed occupations. Of 20 analyzed tasks, 6 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Programming is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (7)
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Network and Computer Systems Administrators skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.
Upskill to Reduce Risk
Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills
IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate
by IBM
Estimated Impact
AI-Augmentation Tools
Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity
Systems Thinking In Practice
by The Open University
Estimated Impact
Strengthen Your Edge
Double down on skills AI can't replicate
Inspired Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence
by Case Western Reserve University
Estimated Impact
We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.
Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
How AI Impacts Each Task
20 tasks analyzed
Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use.
Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future.
Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.
Implement and provide technical support for voice services and equipment, such as private branch exchange, voice mail system, and telecom system.
Confer with network users about how to solve existing system problems.
Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records.
Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms.
Train people in computer system use.
Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records.
Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements.
Coordinate with vendors and with company personnel to facilitate purchases.
Research new technologies by attending seminars, reading trade articles, or taking classes, and implement or recommend the implementation of new technologies.
Maintain an inventory of parts for emergency repairs.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations. | 49.68Observed | 46.9% | 10% | |
| Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations. | 55.85Observed | 71.5% | 5% | |
| Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary. | 61.85Observed | 51.7% | 12% | |
| Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software. | 52.68Observed | 70.3% | 5% | |
| Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use. | 90Estimated | 85.2% | 5% | |
| Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future. | 55.85Observed | 49.3% | 6% | |
| Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware. | 61.55Observed | 51.6% | 8% | |
| Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement. | 66.67Observed | 53.7% | 4% | |
| Implement and provide technical support for voice services and equipment, such as private branch exchange, voice mail system, and telecom system. | 50.82Observed | 47.3% | 4% | |
| Confer with network users about how to solve existing system problems. | 50Estimated | 35.0% | 6% | |
| Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes. | 68.88Observed | 54.6% | 5% | |
| Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software. | 59.72Observed | 50.9% | 6% | |
| Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 3% | |
| Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 2% | |
| Train people in computer system use. | 40Estimated | 31.0% | 4% | |
| Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records. | 97Estimated | 88.0% | 3% | |
| Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements. | 30.67Observed | 39.3% | 5% | |
| Coordinate with vendors and with company personnel to facilitate purchases. | 44.73Observed | 32.9% | 3% | |
| Research new technologies by attending seminars, reading trade articles, or taking classes, and implement or recommend the implementation of new technologies. | 70.28Observed | 55.1% | 2% | |
| Maintain an inventory of parts for emergency repairs. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 2% |
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 30.8%
Essential Soft Skills
Traits that are hard for AI to replicate
Explore other career paths
Compare displacement risk across occupations and find careers with stronger long-term prospects.
Alternate Career Paths
See all transitionsComputer Network Architects
32%Higher risk than 52% of other occupations
Computer Systems Analysts
33%Higher risk than 57% of other occupations
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
34%Higher risk than 60% of other occupations
Database Administrators
35%Higher risk than 65% of other occupations
Software Developers, Systems Software
35%Higher risk than 67% of other occupations
Software Developers, Applications
36%Higher risk than 67% of other occupations
Computer User Support Specialists
36%Higher risk than 70% of other occupations
Information Security Analysts
37%Higher risk than 70% of other occupations
Web Administrators
40%Higher risk than 80% of other occupations
Computer Operators
48%Higher risk than 95% of other occupations
Recommendations
Skills to Develop
These skills are at risk from AI automation. Network and Computer Systems Administrators professionals should diversify beyond them.
- Reading Comprehension
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Information Ordering
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Programming
High reliance on Programming is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Mathematics
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Skills to Leverage
These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Leadership
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Equipment Maintenance
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Service Orientation
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Tools to Adopt
AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.
- Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Systems Analysis
Systems Analysis will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Monitoring
Monitoring will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Active Learning
Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
Score History
Risk score over 3 scoring runs
overall change