How to become a System Administrator: Achieve your professional development goals with our free certification program

How to become a System Administrator: Achieve your professional development goals with our free certification program

System Administrators are vital to any organization, overseeing and ensuring the smooth and secure operation of the IT infrastructure. Sysadmins handle the setup, configuration, and management of various hardware, software, and network elements that drive the company’s digital functions. This encompasses tasks like maintaining servers, databases, and networking tools and monitoring system performance to detect and address potential issues. 

System administration entails overseeing the entire IT infrastructure, and managing diverse tasks, which is why disruptions or inefficiencies in their work can impact employees and the organization’s bottom line. Previously, seamless system operation required complex app juggling and costly integrations. Now, System Administrators can integrate document workflow automation to enhance team performance, data security, and legal compliance and automate critical processes to free their pipeline from manual tasks. With airSlate’s solution, sysadmins can delegate demanding tasks to automated systems, focusing on essential projects while the system runs smoothly.

If you want to become a System Administrator or looking for a way to boost your System Administrator career and stand out in the job market, enroll in the free Document Workflow Automation for System Administrators certification program available at the airSlate Academy. This program will equip you with the essential skills to navigate IT operations seamlessly and fine-tune processes that contribute to your organization’s triumphs.

As we journey through this article, you’ll learn how mastering document workflow automation can fast-track your career and amplify your impact as a capable and proficient system administrator. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

System Administrator salary in 2023

As we look into the data, Glassdoor places the average yearly salary for a Systems Administrator in 2023 at approximately $87,651. On the other hand, ZipRecruiter presents a slight variation, citing an average of $84,901, equivalent to $41 per hour. Meanwhile, Zippia takes a more conservative stance, proposing an average yearly rate of $77,156, which, when broken down, amounts to an hourly wage of $37.09.

Systems Administrator average salary in 2023

Top 5 highest-paying Systems Administrator roles

Now, let’s see the list of 5 highest-paying Systems Administrator roles:

Job PositionAverage salary
Senior Unix Systems Administrator$116,752
Systems Integrator$102,867
Systems Administrator Lead$99,956
Senior System Administrator$98,146
Senior Network Administrator$89,169

The salary of a System Administrator isn’t just a fixed number. It’s a blend of many factors that come together to shape a Sysadmin compensation package. Think of it like pieces of a puzzle: years of experience, specific technical skills, place of work, industry specifics, the size of the company, the scope of responsibilities, certifications, educational background, demand on the job market, and many more.

If you’ve been in the game for a while, have some specialized skills like cybersecurity, or work in a hotspot for tech, your paycheck tends to be a bit fatter. The kinds of tasks you handle, the certifications you’ve earned, where you’ve studied, and how much the job market needs someone like you – all these things combine to decide your pay.  

Systems Administrator job description: What are the key Sysadmin responsibilities?

In short, a System administrator is typically tasked with overseeing their organization’s technical infrastructure, including servers, storage, networks, and databases. A Sysadmin’s primary objective is to ensure the smooth, secure, and reliable operation of critical systems, enabling employees to access essential tools and resources for their tasks. This responsibility often presents significant challenges.

Sysadmin duties span a wide spectrum, extending to vendor management, project coordination, and budget oversight. They collaborate closely with fellow IT specialists, such as network engineers and software developers, ensuring seamless integration and effective functioning of systems and applications. Moreover, System admins engage directly with end-users, providing technical support, troubleshooting issues, and delivering training sessions.

The list of key Sysadmin responsibilities includes:

  1. Installation and configuration: set up and configure applications, servers, and workstations while adhering to security protocols.
  2. Troubleshooting and support: proactively address system issues, respond to incidents like server crashes, and ensure swift resolution to minimize disruptions.
  3. User account management: activate/deactivate users, assign permissions, and assist with software and hardware tools for tasks.
  4. Security assessments: regular security tests, data backups management, implement security measures, and develop disaster recovery plans.
  5. Documentation and guidelines: collaborating with software engineers to document software implementation, design, and configuration procedures for effective support and understanding.

System administrators are challenged with:

  1. Inefficient software sage: Finding suitable tools within budget constraints is often complicated, leading to difficulties in implementation and quality standards adherence.
  2. Limited storage capacity: Insufficient server storage hampers software response times and may prevent user logins. System admins continually monitor storage and explore alternatives like external storage systems.
  3. Connection problems: Internet connectivity issues frequently trigger employee complaints, potentially resulting in financial losses. System admins employ various tools to promptly identify failures, distinguishing between local network disruptions and external Internet issues.
  4. Time and resource constraints: System admins face stress due to tight schedules and high workloads. Daily challenges, such as managing diverse data sources, rapid technological advancements, and balancing multiple business lines, demand more time and effort than planned.
  5. Shadow IT: System Administrators contend with management’s cost-cutting demands, user resistance to process changes, and ensuring security and compliance, including safeguarding internal and customer data. The prevalence of shadow IT further complicates their tasks, necessitating the management of unregulated services.

Hence, system admins actively seek user-friendly software and workflow automation tools that streamline tasks, allowing efficient management without additional resources or constant intervention from tech experts or developers.

The benefits of document workflow automation for System Administrators

Document workflow automation significantly enhances the efficiency of System Administrators by addressing their crucial concerns:

  • Connecting previously isolated data sources to create dependable and secure data workflows
  • Facilitating seamless integrations with existing tools and applications to optimize their usability
  • Offering an all-in-one solution that is user-friendly and requires no specialized technical training for implementation
  • Guaranteeing robust data protection by adhering to international rules and regulations, thus enhancing overall security.

By leveraging document workflow automation, System Administrators can optimize various operational aspects, such as data entry and routing, custom workflow creation, integration of external systems and apps, and ensure data security and compliance. The typical Sysadmin workflows that benefit from automation are incident reporting, equipment requests, and account creation.

Take note: a System Administrator and a CRM Administrator are not the same. A System Administrator is responsible for managing an organization’s IT infrastructure, networks, servers, and security systems. On the other hand, a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) administrator focuses specifically on configuring, customizing, and managing CRM software to optimize customer interactions, sales processes, and data management. While there may be overlaps in certain technical skills, their roles and responsibilities differ significantly.

How to become a Sysadmin: Automation skills you’ll acquire with the airSlate Academy

Enroll in Document Workflow Automation for System Administrators certification program to acquire critical automation skills:

1. Become an expert in workflow optimization – to streamline operations, enhancing efficiency and enabling you to concentrate on strategic tasks crucial to system administration, like implementing advanced technologies and improving cybersecurity protocols.

2. Third-party integration skills – to connect various tools and systems, allowing you to manage requests more effectively and ensuring a smooth data flow across different platforms.

3. Request management proficiency – to handle incoming requests, allocate resources, and oversee tasks, contributing to the overall smooth functioning of IT operations.

Developing strong automation skills in workflow optimization, third-party integrations, and request management is essential for System Administrators. These skills will empower you to drive efficiency, enhance collaboration, and effectively manage tasks. Ultimately, they are critical to maintaining a robust IT infrastructure and ensuring the organization’s technological success.

5 Benefits of the airSlate Academy Certification Program for System Administrators

eLearning isn’t just about money – it’s about future gains, too. Enrolling in the airSlate Academy’s certification program on Document Workflow Automation for System Administrators brings a bunch of benefits:

  • Expand your opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
  • Unleash your creative potential while handling more advanced tasks that require innovation and critical thinking 
  • Regain valuable time and rediscover the freedom to indulge in your hobbies and interests
  • Strengthen connections with your loved ones, nurturing deeper bonds with family and friends
  • Increase your happiness and satisfaction with life

You can attain an improved work-life balance that boosts your overall well-being by placing importance on your personal life and connections. As a System Administrator, the airSlate Academy equips you with essential skills to streamline processes, boost efficiency, and lift your overall happiness.

An interesting fact: 

Employees are generally happier when they hold autonomy and authority over task completion, opportunities for professional growth and skill development, and the flexibility to take breaks. Research indicates that companies with happy employees outperform their competition by 20%.

Final thoughts

For a System Administrator, prioritizing your career growth and professional development is essential to thrive in the dynamic technology sector.

Enrolling in the airSlate Academy’s certification program focused on Document Workflow Automation for System Administrators can arm you with critical automation skills, elevating your significance within your organization and propelling your professional journey.

These competencies have the potential to amplify your earning capacity and grant you additional time to chase after your interests, fostering a more satisfying life. Take the step to invest in your future and enroll in the airSlate Academy certification without delay!

FAQ

1. Is System Admin a hard job?

Yes, being a System Administrator can be a challenging job due to the diverse tasks, technical complexity, and constant need to adapt to evolving technologies and security threats.

2. What is an example of a System Administrator?

A System Administrator is someone responsible for managing an organization’s computer networks, servers, and IT systems, ensuring they operate efficiently and securely. In practical terms, a System Administrator might be an individual working in a corporate IT department, a data center, or for an IT service provider. They configure, maintain, and troubleshoot servers and networks, install and update software, manage user accounts and permissions, and implement security measures to safeguard sensitive data. They also play a crucial role in disaster recovery planning, ensuring that the organization’s data is backed up regularly and can be restored in case of system failures.

3. What education do you need to become a System Administrator?

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is often required to become a System Administrator. However, some positions may accept candidates with an associate degree or relevant system admin certifications, such as Document Workflow Automation for System Administrators coupled with practical experience. Continuous learning and certifications in specific technologies are also valuable in this field.

4. What are the System Administrator skills?

Sysadmins need a diverse skill set, including technical expertise in operating systems (such as Linux, Windows, or macOS), networking protocols, and cybersecurity practices. They must stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and security threats, making their job both challenging and essential for the smooth functioning of any modern organization.