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ICT system administrator

Also called sysadmin, ICT sysadmin, ICT sysadmins

ICT system administrators are responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer and network systems, servers, workstations and peripheral devices. They may acquire, install, or upgrade computer components and software; automate routine tasks; write computer programs; troubleshoot; train and supervise staff; and provide technical support. They ensure optimum system integrity, security, backup and performance.

Will there be jobs?Yes, good prospectsShortage in 10 countries now. 59 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.ICT professionalsWhat does it pay?Well above averageFrom about €2,900 (Slovakia) to €7,300 (Denmark) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · ICT professionalsWhat do I need to study?Usually a degree8 in 10 have a degree.ICT professionalsWill AI change it?SignificantlyLevel 5 of 6. AI could take on part of most tasks, but none fully.Systems aministrators · ILO

What you'd do

Systems aministrators · ILO
  • Maintaining and administering computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software and all configurations
  • Recommending changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determining hardware or software requirements related to such changes
  • Diagnosing hardware and software problems
  • Performing data backups and disaster recovery operations
  • Operating master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use
Use back-up and recovery toolsImplement a firewallImplement a virtual private networkImplement ICT security policiesImplement anti-virus software+ 15 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Indoors
  • Sitting most of the day
  • Lots of contact with people
  • Some freedom to decide
  • Usually 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines most weeks
  • Some repetitive tasks
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the US job "Network and Computer Systems Administrators"

Will there be jobs?

Yes, good prospects

10 EU countries are short of systems aministrators now, and many jobs will need filling by 2035.

People working as ICT professionals in the EU
2.77m4.86m6.75m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
1,516,000 new jobs 1,592,000 replacing leavers
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
ICT professionals59
All jobs29
Right now
10 of 27 countries report a shortage of systems aministrators, 3 a surplus.
Systems aministrators · EURES

What does it pay?

Well above average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €2,900 a month (Slovakia) to €7,300 (Denmark), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among professionals in the EU, women earn 21% less per hour than men. Professionals · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Usually a degree

A degree in software and applications development and analysis is the usual route.

Highest qualification of ICT professionals (EU, 2025)
Degree 81%Vocational 10%General secondary 7%Basic schooling 2%
Fields that teach it
Software and applications development and analysis · Database and network design and administration
Vocational route, EU
4 in 10 trainees in this field
ICT graduates in a matching job
77% in the EU

887 institutions in the EU offer ICT bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Significantly

AI could take on part of most tasks, but none fully.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.57 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 5 tasks
Recommending changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determining hardware or software requirements related to such changes0.61
Maintaining and administering computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software and all configurations0.58
Operating master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use0.58
Performing data backups and disaster recovery operations0.57
Diagnosing hardware and software problems0.47

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for systems aministrators. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).