Network Systems Analyst: Career and Salary Facts

<p>Network systems analysts monitor and maintain computer hardware and software applications for businesses and organizations. They specialize in the infrastructural design of the network and analyze the performance of these systems to best improve it. They also research and report the costs of upgrading or replacing the current networking technology used within a business. The following chart provides an overview about becoming a network systems analyst. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Training Required</b></td><td> Ongoing training to keep up with technology advances will be required</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td> Computer science, information science or other computer-related field or a degree in the business field desired (such as health or banking) with computer or information technology emphasis</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td> Analytical skills, creativity and good communication skills</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 7%*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $93,730*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillMyJobDutiesAsANetworkSystemsAnalystInclude">What Will My Job Duties As a Network Systems Analyst Include?</h3> <p>As a network systems analyst, you'll ensure the proper function of LAN (local area networks), WAN (wide area networks), Internet and intranet connections. You might test hardware and software, design network configurations and architecture, back up network servers and monitor system performance. Additionally, you'll track equipment needs to determine when equipment, such as modems, telephone wires and fiber optic cables, require upgrades. Many network systems analysts set up user accounts and train end users. </p> <p>You may use a variety of software programs. A wide range of network administration, analytical, back-up, configuration management, help-desk, network monitoring, security, testing and virus protection programs are tools of the trade for a network systems analyst. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatTypeOfEducationDoINeed">What Type of Education Do I Need?</h3> <p>Most network systems analysts have some college education in the fields of computer science or computer information systems. O*Net Online reports that 22% earned an associate's degree and 47% obtained a bachelor's degree, while only 14% only completed some college or had no degree (<i>www.onetonline.org</i>). Technical training may be required by some employers, while others may offer on-the-job training. </p> <h3 id="section---CanIGetCertified">Can I Get Certified?</h3> <p>You can earn product certifications from specific vendors. Some of the most recognized industry certifications are available through Cisco Systems (<i>www.cisco.com</i>). Cisco offers four levels of certification from entry-level to expert, and each level requires completion of a series of training modules and exams. Certification tracks are available in routing and switching, voice and wireless network solutions, design, network security, telecommunications services and storage networking. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSalaryCanIEarn">What Salary Can I Earn?</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that half of network systems analysts earned $93,730 in 2020 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). You can expect to find available positions as a network systems analyst. According to the BLS, the employment rate was predicted to increase 7% during the 2020-2030 decade. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3> <p>There are quite a few similar careers that require a bachelor's degree in the computer systems field. You could consider being a computer network architect, responsible for creating and implementing network systems for both internet access and local (intranet) access within a business or organization. Another possible career would be becoming a computer programmer, using conceptual designs of software programs to create fully functional programs. Alternatively, you could become a database administrator and organize information in a way to be secure from public access.</p>