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Systems Administrator

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A Systems Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining an organisation's computer systems and networks. This includes installing, supporting, and upgrading servers, ensuring network security, and troubleshooting hardware or software problems. Systems Administrators play a crucial role in making sure that IT services run smoothly and efficiently. They often work in a variety of sectors, such as education, healthcare, finance, and technology, and may be involved in setting up user accounts, backing up data, and implementing cybersecurity measures. The role requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends.

Systems Administrator

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a Systems Administrator in the UK is around £32,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to £45,000 or more.

Job Openings

There are over 12,000 advertised Systems Administrator positions in the UK each year, according to recent job market surveys.

Typical Working Hours

Most Systems Administrators work 37 to 40 hours per week, with the possibility of on-call or overtime work to resolve urgent issues.

🚀 Careers in this path

Linux Systems Administrator

Specialises in managing and supporting computer systems that run on the Linux operating system, often used in universities, research centres, and tech companies.

Cloud Systems Administrator

Focuses on maintaining and supporting cloud-based systems and services, such as those provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.

Network and Security Administrator

Responsible for configuring, maintaining, and protecting an organisation's computer networks, ensuring that data and systems remain secure and accessible.

Gain Foundational IT Knowledge

Study IT at School or College

Take courses in ICT, Computer Science, or related subjects at GCSE or A-level.

Building a strong foundation in IT at school will help you understand the basics of computer systems and networks. Subjects like Computer Science or ICT cover essential topics such as hardware, software, and basic programming, which are directly relevant to systems administration.

Develop Technical Skills

Learn about operating systems, networking, and security through self-study or online courses.

Free resources like Cisco Networking Academy, CompTIA IT Fundamentals, or Microsoft Learn can help you understand how networks, servers, and operating systems work. Basic knowledge of Windows and Linux operating systems is particularly important for systems administrators.

Obtain Relevant Qualifications

Complete Further Education or Apprenticeship

Pursue a college course (such as a Level 3 Diploma in IT) or a relevant IT apprenticeship.

An IT apprenticeship combines practical work with study and is a great route into the field. Alternatively, college courses can provide a deeper understanding of IT systems and infrastructure, preparing you for entry-level roles or further study.

Earn IT Certifications

Achieve industry-recognised certifications like CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, or Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA).

These certifications demonstrate your technical knowledge and commitment to employers. They cover important topics such as networking, system security, and server management, and are often required for entry-level systems administrator roles.

Build Practical Experience

Gain Work Experience

Look for entry-level IT support roles or internships to gain hands-on experience.

Starting out in roles such as IT Support Technician or Help Desk Analyst allows you to develop troubleshooting skills and gain experience with real-world IT systems. Many employers look for candidates with practical experience, even for junior systems administrator roles.

Progress to Systems Administration

Seek out opportunities to specialise in systems administration and take on more responsibility in managing servers and networks.

After gaining some experience, apply for junior systems administrator roles or take on additional responsibilities in your current job. Continue to develop your skills by managing servers, maintaining networks, and learning about virtualisation and cloud technologies.

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

Engineering Technician Apprentice

THURSTON ENGINEERING LTD

( Added 22 Feb 2024 - 2 positions available )

A great opportunity to join the team and learn the day-to-day processes of a busy engineering workshop. Working alongside skilled engineers you will progress to be conversant with all processes and machinery. The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to become a valuable player in this specialist world learning valuable skills.

Closing date: in 29 days

Possible start date: 06 Jan 2026

The Royal Navy - Comms Specialist (Submariner)-Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Apprentice

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 70 positions available )

As an Engineering Technician Communications and Information Systems Specialist (Submariner) you'll be part of the elite Silent Service and a central member of your vessel’s engineering team. Using ultramodern radio and satellite systems to communicate with off-vessel command, you’re key to tactical and strategic communications.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Warfare Specialist (Submariner) Data Technician Apprenticeship

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 100 positions available )

Being a Warfare Specialist (Submariner), means working with some of the most advanced computer systems available to identify, track and, if required, destroy potential threats. This will involve the covert monitoring of all other vessels (surface and sub-surface, friend or foe) within range of the advanced array of different sensors onboard.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

The Royal Navy - Weapon Engineering - Engineering Technician Accelerated Apprenticeship

Royal Navy

( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 96 positions available )

Joining the Royal Navy on the Accelerated Apprentice Scheme means accelerating your training and development within one of our most elite teams. You’ll be fast-tracked to real responsibility, getting your hands on some of the most advanced kit on the planet, and guaranteeing your warship’s performance as a state-of-the-art fighting machine.

Closing date: in 8 months

Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Current Career

Business administrator

Supporting and engaging with different parts of the organisation and interact with internal or external customers.

Advanced Careers

Assistant accountant

Carrying out routine financial activities and support for businesses and organisations of all types and sizes.

Mortgage advisor

Giving clients advice on appropriate mortgages and related protection products such as life insurance or sickness and unemployment insurance.

Improvement practitioner

Identify and lead the delivery of change across organisational functions and processes.

Senior housing and property management

Managing housing or property related services, leading a team and taking responsibility for the cost effectiveness and efficiency of their business area.

Paralegal

Providing legal and administrative support, carrying out research and drafting legal documents and forms.

Chartered manager

Taking responsibility for long-term organisational success, managing people, projects, operations or services.

Associate project manager

Managing project work and teams for businesses and other organisations.

Procurement and supply chain practitioner

Buying the goods and services that enable an organisation to operate.

Team leader

Managing individuals, teams, or projects to meet private, public, or voluntary organisational goals.

Operations manager

Managing teams and projects in line with a private, public, or voluntary organisation's operational or departmental strategy.

Policy officer

Contribute to the development of policy.

Sample Qualifications

A Systems Administrator and a Systems analyst both require a strong understanding of computer systems and networks. They work closely on managing, analysing, and optimising IT infrastructure and solutions, making their qualifications and responsibilities closely aligned.

How to become

You could get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a degree in a relevant subject like:

  • computer science
  • information management systems
  • business information systems
  • maths and operational research

Some universities offer a degree in Information Technology Management for Business. This degree is Tech Industry Gold accredited.

Postgraduate courses

If you have a degree that's not in an IT or computer subject, you could complete a postgraduate course.

You should choose one which focuses on business and computer skills.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do either an information systems business analyst higher apprenticeship or a digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start with any job in IT or business then build up your experience and qualifications while working.

You could train online or attend short intensive courses with IT training organisations. You'll need some computer and business skills.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it helpful to get a business analysis certification to show your skills and expertise once you're working.

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in computing from The Chartered Institute for IT and techskills.

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