Network Administrator Job Profile | Missions, Skills, Salary 2026

35-55K EUR

Annual gross salary

Level 5 to Level 7+

Required training

IT & Systems

Industry sector

High

Market demand

Understanding the Network Administrator role

The Network Administrator ensures reliability, security and performance of company network infrastructure. Designs, deploys and maintains network infrastructure (LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, VPN), supervises active equipment (routers, switches, firewalls) and guarantees service availability.

In SMEs, often versatile and managing servers and security too. In large enterprises or IT services, specialisation options: advanced routing, SD-WAN, network security, monitoring. Role evolving rapidly with cloud networking, network virtualisation (SDN) and cybersecurity demands.

Key responsibilities

Network configuration and maintenance

Install and configure network equipment (switches, routers, firewalls). Manage VLANs, routing, redundancy protocols. Ensure preventive and corrective maintenance.

Monitoring and oversight

Continuously monitor network performance (availability, latency, bandwidth). Analyse logs and alerts. Proactively identify and resolve incidents.

Network security

Implement and maintain firewalls, VPNs and intrusion detection systems. Manage security policies, ACLs and filtering. Conduct regular security audits.

Level 2/3 technical support

Assist users and support teams with network issues. Diagnose and resolve complex connectivity incidents. Document procedures.

Infrastructure evolution and optimisation

Plan network scaling and evolution. Execute migration and technology upgrade projects (SD-WAN, Wi-Fi 6).

Required skills

Technical skills vs Soft skills

Avantages

TCP/IP protocols, routing (OSPF, BGP), switching mastery
Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, Palo Alto equipment expertise
VPN deep knowledge (IPsec, SSL, MPLS)
Network security and firewall competencies
Monitoring tools proficiency (Nagios, PRTG, Zabbix)
Network scripting (Python, Ansible) and automation

Inconvénients

Rigour and methodology in operations
Rapid analysis and diagnostic capability
Stress resilience and emergency management
Teamwork and clear communication
Continuous technological awareness
Availability for on-call duties

Network certifications valued by recruiters

Provider	Certification	Level
Cisco	CCNA	Network fundamentals and security (+3-5K EUR)
Cisco	CCNP Enterprise	Advanced routing/switching (+5-8K EUR)
Cisco	CCIE	Global expert level (+10-15K EUR)
Fortinet	NSE 4/7	FortiGate network security
CompTIA	Network+	Multi-vendor fundamentals
Juniper	JNCIA/JNCIS	Juniper networks

Training and career progression

Qualifications for Network Administrator

Level	Qualification	Career paths
Level 5 (2-year)	BTS in IT Systems & Networks, IT DUT	Network Technician, Junior Admin
Level 6 (3-year)	Licence in Networks & Telecom, IT Bachelor	Confirmed Network Administrator
Level 7+ (5-year)	Master's in Networks, Engineering Diploma	Senior Admin, Network Architect

0-2 years

Network Technician

Support, cabling, basic configuration.

2-5 years

Network Administrator

Independent network management, complex incidents.

5-10 years

Senior Network Administrator

Complex projects, multi-technology expertise.

10+ years

Network Architect

Network architecture design, strategy.

15+ years

Infrastructure Manager / CTO

Team management, technical direction.

Salary grid 2026

Network Administrator salary (annual gross)

Experience	SME/Mid-market	Large corporation	London
Junior (0-2 years)	30-38K EUR	35-42K EUR	+10-15%
Confirmed (2-5 years)	38-48K EUR	42-52K EUR	+10-15%
Senior (5-10 years)	48-60K EUR	52-65K EUR	+10-15%
Architect (10+ years)	60-75K EUR	65-85K EUR	+15-20%

Role trends in 2026

SD-WAN: revolutionising multi-site networks | Network automation: Ansible, Python (NetOps) | Zero Trust: segmentation and micro-segmentation | Cloud networking: AWS VPC, Azure VNet | Wi-Fi 6/7: campus deployments

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Frequently asked questions about Network Administrator role

What is the difference between Network Administrator and Systems Administrator?

Network Administrator focuses on network infrastructure (routers, switches, firewalls, connectivity). Systems Administrator manages servers and operating systems. In SMEs, roles often merge into one Network & Systems Admin. Large enterprises keep them distinct.

Are Cisco certifications essential?

Not essential but highly recommended. Cisco is industry leader and certifications (CCNA minimum) are universally recognised. They demonstrate validated technical expertise and facilitate recruitment and salary advancement. CCNP can represent +5-8K EUR annually.

Is Network Administrator role compatible with remote work?

Partially. Configuration, monitoring and documentation can be done remotely. Physical interventions (cabling, hardware replacement) require on-site presence. Most roles allow 1-2 remote days per week.

Are on-call duties mandatory for Network Administrators?

Depends on role and sector. Critical infrastructure (banking, healthcare, manufacturing) often require on-call for 24/7 continuity. On-call typically includes fixed monthly premium plus call-out fees, managed by team rotation.

Is Network Administrator role threatened by cloud?

No, it evolves. Cloud doesn't eliminate network admin need, it transforms required skills. Hybrid architectures, cloud interconnections (AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute) and network security remain high-demand. Administrators must broaden cloud networking expertise.