What Do Windows Server System Administrators Do?
Wondering what the job is really like for windows server system administrators?
You've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find detailed information about what windows server system administrators do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.
Windows Server System Administrators Overview & Description
Let's get started with the basics about windows server system administrators by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.
Windows Server System Administrators install, configure, and maintain an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.
Popular Job Titles For Windows Server System Administrators
Sample of Reported Job Titles
- Systems Administrators
- Network Administrators
- Linux System Administrators
- Windows Administrators
- Linux Administrators
- IT Systems Administrators
- Linux Engineers
- Sharepoint Administrators
- IT Administrators
- Linux Systems Engineers
- Windows Server System Administrators
- Network Systems Administrators
Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for windows server system administrators can be found.
Best Industries for Windows Server System Administrators
Windows Server System Administrators Jobs By Industry
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 16.1%
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: 6.5%
- Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals: 5%
- Education and Hospitals (Local Government): 4.3%
- Education and Hospitals (State Government): 4%
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: 3%
- Other: 61.1%
When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of windows server system administrators can be found working in the Computer Systems Design and Related Services sector. In 2023, about 16.1% of all jobs for windows server system administrators were found there.
Other top industries by percentage include Management of Companies and Enterprises (6.5%), Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals (5%), Education and Hospitals (Local Government) (4.3%), Education and Hospitals (State Government) (4%) and Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (3%).
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Go beyond basic programming and develop the technical skills necessary to apply, design, and implement software systems.
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Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
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Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
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Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.
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- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop the advanced technical skills needed to turn complex programming specifications into well-designed computer programs.
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What Do Windows Server System Administrators Do on a Daily Basis?
So you have a high-level understanding of what windows server system administrators do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?
A great way to understand the type of work windows server system administrators do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that windows server system administrators tackle each day.
Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for windows server system administrators, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Windows Server System Administrators
Based on 92,738 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Windows Server System Administrators
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 29,292 | 32% |
| Linux | 28,682 | 31% |
| System Administration | 23,750 | 26% |
| Computer Science | 23,506 | 25% |
| Active Directory | 21,487 | 23% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Windows Server System Administrators
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 48,025 | 52% |
| Management | 35,234 | 38% |
| Communication | 34,528 | 37% |
| Operations | 28,053 | 30% |
| Problem Solving | 23,033 | 25% |
Based on 92,738 job postings related to windows server system administrators, operating systems was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 32% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for linux, system administration, computer science, active directory and scripting were also highly sought.
As for common skills, troubleshooting (problem solving) was the most desired skill found in job postings for windows server system administrators, followed by management, communication, operations, problem solving and information technology.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 29,292 | 32% |
| Linux | 28,682 | 31% |
| System Administration | 23,750 | 26% |
| Computer Science | 23,506 | 25% |
| Active Directory | 21,487 | 23% |
| Scripting | 19,017 | 21% |
| Windows Servers | 17,236 | 19% |
| Automation | 16,487 | 18% |
| Firewall | 13,815 | 15% |
| Network Administration | 12,879 | 14% |
| Windows PowerShell | 12,145 | 13% |
| Microsoft Azure | 11,980 | 13% |
| Technical Support | 11,710 | 13% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 11,596 | 13% |
| Backup Devices | 11,587 | 12% |
| Network Routing | 11,223 | 12% |
| Unix | 10,390 | 11% |
| Network Switches | 10,260 | 11% |
| SQL (Programming Language) | 9,785 | 11% |
| Local Area Networks | 9,737 | 10% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 48,025 | 52% |
| Management | 35,234 | 38% |
| Communication | 34,528 | 37% |
| Operations | 28,053 | 30% |
| Problem Solving | 23,033 | 25% |
| Information Technology | 19,378 | 21% |
| Customer Service | 16,874 | 18% |
| Planning | 14,875 | 16% |
| Writing | 11,268 | 12% |
| Research | 10,102 | 11% |
| Detail Oriented | 9,736 | 10% |
| Leadership | 8,974 | 10% |
| Self-Motivation | 8,499 | 9% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 8,169 | 9% |
| Microsoft Office | 7,965 | 9% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 7,425 | 8% |
| Coordinating | 7,176 | 8% |
| Microsoft Windows | 6,046 | 7% |
| Prioritization | 5,738 | 6% |
| Time Management | 5,538 | 6% |
Most In-Demand Jobs for Windows Server System Administrators
Top 5 Posted Job Titles
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Administrators | 39,811 | 39% |
| Network Administrators | 13,740 | 13.5% |
| Linux System Administrators | 7,906 | 7.7% |
| Windows Administrators | 5,530 | 5.4% |
| Linux Administrators | 3,914 | 3.8% |
According to job postings that were published between September 2022 and August 2023, the top job sought by employers was systems administrators, with 17,786 unique job postings. Network administrators were second, with 3,541 postings, followed by linux system administrators, windows administrators and linux administrators.
Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to windows server system administrators.
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Administrators | 39,811 | 39% |
| Network Administrators | 13,740 | 13.5% |
| Linux System Administrators | 7,906 | 7.7% |
| Windows Administrators | 5,530 | 5.4% |
| Linux Administrators | 3,914 | 3.8% |
| IT Systems Administrators | 4,276 | 4.2% |
| Linux Engineers | 3,115 | 3% |
| Sharepoint Administrators | 3,107 | 3% |
| IT Administrators | 3,268 | 3.2% |
| Linux Systems Engineers | 2,238 | 2.2% |
| Windows Server System Administrators | 2,266 | 2.2% |
| Network Systems Administrators | 2,473 | 2.4% |
| Computer Operators | 2,121 | 2.1% |
| Application Administrators | 1,517 | 1.5% |
| Administrators | 1,471 | 1.4% |
| Servicenow Administrators | 909 | 0.9% |
| Server Administrators | 1,320 | 1.3% |
| Cloud Systems Administrators | 1,038 | 1% |
| Netsuite Administrators | 1,029 | 1% |
| Unix Administrators | 1,099 | 1.1% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information for windows server system administrators? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for windows server system administrators.
How much do windows server system administrators make?
Windows Server System Administrators: How do you become one?
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