Career Snapshot: Network/Systems Administrator
- Entry-Level Salary: ~$83,261/year (Indeed, 2025)
- Median Salary: ~$96,800/year (Indeed, 2025)
- Experienced Salary: $120,000+/year (Indeed, 2025)
- Job Openings: 108,890 available (Coursera, 2025)
- Education: Many roles require an associate or bachelor’s in IT, but employers highly value certifications in networking and cybersecurity.
- Job Outlook: Employment of network and systems administrators is projected to decline -4% decline from 2024–2034 (U.S. BLS). Despite this, demand remains steady due to turnover and evolving tech needs.
Skills You’ll Gain
Students in the Network/Systems Administrator Career Pathway develop:
- Systems Administration – Managing Windows and Linux servers
- Network Configuration & Monitoring – Ensuring uptime and performance
- Cybersecurity Practices – Protecting systems with firewalls, VPNs, and encryption
- Troubleshooting & Support – Solving hardware and connectivity issues
- Virtualization & Cloud – Working with hybrid environments
- Scripting & Automation – Using tools to manage repetitive tasks
Pathway Details & Certifications (powered by Coursera)
Featured Certification:
Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Professional Certificate — 4 courses
- Cybersecurity Foundation
- Network Security Fundamentals
- Cloud Security Fundamentals
- Security Operations Fundamentals
This certificate equips students with industry-recognized cybersecurity and networking skills—core competencies for network administrators.
Real-World Impact
For Students: If you like problem-solving and ensuring systems “just work,” this pathway prepares you to keep organizations connected and secure.
For CTE Directors & Teachers: The Network/Systems Administrator Career Pathway aligns with Perkins V IT pathways, providing students with verifiable credentials and practical skills.
Related Pathways
Skills from this pathway also support careers like:
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Cloud Architect
- IT Project Manager
- Automation Engineer
Why SchoolDay Academy Recommends the Network/Systems Administrator Career Pathway
At SchoolDay Academy, we select pathways that blend accessibility, affordability, and workforce demand. The Network/Systems Administrator Career Pathway, powered by Coursera, is especially valuable because it is:
- Beginner-Friendly – Students can start with basic IT skills.
- Industry-Aligned – Uses Palo Alto Networks content trusted worldwide.
- Future-Ready – Focuses on cybersecurity and hybrid network skills.
- Certificate-Driven – Includes the 4-course Palo Alto Networks certificate, delivering stackable, industry-recognized credentials.
By adopting this pathway, schools help students earn certifications while practicing the skills employers value most.
How to Begin
Students
- Ask your teacher/CTE lead about enrolling in the Network/Systems Administrator Career Pathway through SchoolDay Academy.
- Set a study schedule (3–5 hours weekly).
- Practice by configuring school lab networks or virtual machines.
- Complete the Palo Alto Networks certificate and add it to your resume.
Teachers & CTE Directors
- Request SDA seats for your class or cohort.
- Align outcomes with Perkins V IT pathways.
- Use SDA dashboards to track completions and highlight student success.
The Network/Systems Administrator Career Pathway prepares students for one of the most essential IT roles—keeping organizations connected, secure, and running smoothly. For students, it’s a career with strong salaries and advancement opportunities. For educators, it’s a Perkins-aligned solution with measurable results.
Explore the Network/Systems Administrator Career Pathway offered by SchoolDay Academy (powered by Coursera) today.