How much Network and Computer Systems Administrator Salary in South Africa? The responsibilities of a Network and computer systems administrator include installing, supporting, and maintaining servers or other computer systems, and planning for and responding to service outages and other problems. They may also liaise with other members of IT staff to assess hardware and software needs and to provide training. Let’s take a look at what the average salary for this position is in South Africa.
Duties
Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks. They ensure that networks operate smoothly and efficiently, and they provide technical support and troubleshooting when problems arise.
In larger organizations, network and computer systems administrators may specialize in specific areas, such as security or database administration. In smaller organizations, they may perform a wide range of tasks.
Network and computer systems administrators typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. They must also have several years of experience working in the IT field.
Work environment
Most network and computer systems administrators work in an office. They might have to stoop, kneel, or stand for long periods when working with low-level network cabling. When working with equipment or resolving service outages, they might have to lift heavy objects.
Salary
In South Africa, the average salary for a Network and Computer Systems Administrator is R341,659 per year. The skills that increase pay for this job the most are Scripting Languages and Windows Operating System General Use.
Education and Training
Becoming a network and computer systems administrator usually requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or a related field. Many employers also prefer candidates who have experience with the systems and networks they’ll be responsible for maintaining.
High school
A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for most network and computer systems administrator jobs. However, employers usually prefer applicants who have completed postsecondary education in computer science, information science, or a related field. Some jobs may require certification in a specific computer system or program.
College
Pursuing a degree from a college or university is often the best way to gain the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in your chosen career. A two- or four-year degree in computer science or a related field will give you the technical expertise you need to work as a network and computer systems administrator. Many employers also prefer to hire candidates who have earned a bachelor’s degree.
Certification
Even though certification is not required for all network and computer systems administrator jobs, it shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job. The most common type of certification for network and computer systems administrators is Network+ from CompTIA. Other certifications include those from Microsoft, Cisco, Linux Professional Institute, and Hewlett Packard.
Skills
As a network and computer systems administrator, you will be responsible for the care and maintenance of an organization’s computer systems. This includes ensuring that all systems are running smoothly and efficiently. You will also be responsible for troubleshooting any issues that may arise. In order to be successful in this career, you will need to have strong problem-solving skills and be able to think quickly on your feet.
Hard skills
Hard skills are the technical, tangible and measurable abilities required to do a job. These might include computer skills, administrative or secretarial skills, or specific trade-related talents. They are learned through formal education, training or experience and can be measured against a set of standards. They are often listed on a job specification under “essential criteria” or “key skills and experience”.
Some examples of hard skills include:
- Accounting
- Carpentry
- Driving
- Maths
- Operating machinery
- Proofreading
Soft skills
In addition to the technical skills that network and computer systems administrators need, employers also value certain soft skills. Although soft skills are harder to measure than technical abilities, they can be just as important for job candidates. Here are some examples of soft skills that network and computer systems administrators may need:
- Analytical skills. Network and computer systems administrators must be able to analyze various types of data, such as system logs, to identify issues and track down their causes. They also use data to monitor performance and capacity and make recommendations for improvements.
- Communication skills. Network and computer systems administrators work with other members of the IT staff, such as network architects, as well as non-IT users, such as senior managers. They need to be able to explain complex technical concepts in a way that non-technical users can understand. They also need to be able to ask questions and gather information from users in order to diagnose problems and determine user needs.
- Customer-service orientation. When users have problems with their computers or networks, they often turn to network and computer systems administrators for help. As a result, network and computer systems administrators need strong customer-serviceorientation in order to deal patiently with frustrated or angry users.
- Interpersonal skills. Network and computer systems administrators work with a variety of people, both inside and outside their organization. They need good interpersonal skills in order to build positive working relationships with these people.
- Organizational skills. Network and computer systems administrators must be able to organize their work in order to meet deadlines and keep projects on track. This includes being able to prioritize tasks, plan ahead, and keep detailed records of past projects
Job Outlook
Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.
Employment
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for network and computer systems administrators will grow by 6% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. A number of factors, such as an increase in the use of Cloud computing and the need for more mobile device support, should contribute to this demand.
Growth
The job outlook for network and computer systems administrators will be above average in the next five years. The need for trained workers in this area is expected to grow by 16 percent. This is due to the increasing reliance on computer networks in business and industry.
Salary
The salary for a network and computer systems administrator in South Africa is around R30,000 per month. This is just an average, however, and your specific salary will depend on experience, employer, and other factors.
Factors
There are a number of factors that can affect a network and computer systems administrator salary in South Africa, such as the size of the company, the nature of the business, and the location. In general, larger companies tend to pay more than smaller ones, and companies in urban areas tend to pay more than those in rural areas.
Location
The average salary for a Network and Computer Systems Administrator in South Africa is R252,462. This is 5.5% lower than the average salary for a Network and Computer Systems Administrator in the rest of Africa.
