We surveyed 2,541 systems administrators to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical systems administrator. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a systems administrator?
Low
High
Working as a systems administrator typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that systems administrators are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a systems administrator?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a systems administrator typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a systems administrator?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a systems administrator. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for systems administrators.
Do systems administrators work full-time or part-time?
93% of systems administrators work in full-time roles while 7% work part-time.
Is being a systems administrator stressful?
Low
High
Systems administrators tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a systems administrator?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a systems administrator.
How competitive is the workplace for systems administrators?
Low
High
Systems administrators see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a systems administrator require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for systems administrators.
Are systems administrators allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Systems administrators are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do systems administrators have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally systems administrators will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a systems administrator physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a systems administrators is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.
Are systems administrators exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, systems administrators tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a systems administrator require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for systems administrators.
Does being a good systems administrator require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a systems administrator.