Web Administrator
A Web Administrator is a professional responsible for building, maintaining, and monitoring computer networks within various organizations, including businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions. Their primary duties involve managing server operations, ensuring network security, and handling data storage and communication systems. Web administrators play a crucial role in preventing and addressing system errors, troubleshooting user issues, and safeguarding against external threats like viruses and malware. These professionals typically work in office environments, where they may interact with staff or work independently on technical tasks.
To succeed in this role, individuals often require a strong background in computer science, networking, and server administration, along with skills in critical reasoning and active listening. Educational pathways may include completing courses in computer-related fields at high school or postsecondary levels, with higher positions typically demanding a bachelor’s degree. Career prospects for web administrators are favorable, with a median annual salary of approximately $95,360 and an employment outlook that is projected to grow at a rate of 2%, aligning with average job market trends.
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Subject Terms
Web Administrator
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Business, Management & Administration, Information Technology, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Computer science, server administration and maintenance, computer programming, computer networking, web security, computer hardware and software
Earnings (Yearly Median): $95,360 annual $45.84 hourly
Employment & Outlook: 2% (As fast as average)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Web administrators build, maintain, and monitor computer networks. Businesses and organizations employ web administrators to manage their day-to-day computing and networking needs, including server management, email functionality, data storage, and intranet systems. Web administrators oversee all network security measures, apply computer-system updates, back up system data in case of emergency or disaster, and work with staff members to implement new systems and improve usability. In addition to staying abreast of staff and organizational computing needs, web administrators must be knowledgeable of emerging software and hardware trends and potential threats such as viruses, worms, ransomware, and malware.
Work Environment. Web administrators work primarily indoors in administrative settings. While interaction with other staff members is a significant facet of the job, much of the work of web administrators is done alone, either at a traditional desk setting with one or more computer monitors or in rooms that house servers and other network equipment. Web administrators must often travel to different places within an organization or on a business campus to troubleshoot problems and answer computer-related questions.
Occupation Interest. Web administration traditionally attracts technologically savvy professionals with a lifelong passion for computing. In addition to an extensive computer background, web administrators also come from academic and professional backgrounds in communications, media, electronics, customer service, and business administration. Web administration requires deft reasoning, critical analysis, and active listening skills.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The day-to-day responsibilities of web administrators include preventing and correcting system errors, troubleshooting user problems, detecting and reporting security breaches, and developing new network technologies for use within their organization.
Business, educational, and organizational computer networks run a constant risk of being impaired, observed, or damaged by outside threats such as viruses, hackers, and other malicious parties. Web administrators combat these threats with daily surveillance of network systems and regularly testing and monitoring system backup plans and security software. If a network’s security or infrastructure is compromised, the web administrator's role is to minimize the damage and eliminate threats as soon as possible. Administrators must be equally vigilant about looking for breakdowns in hardware systems that can occur from long-term use.
Web administrators also use their extensive knowledge of contemporary networking systems technology to develop new web-based technologies with other organizations' professionals. Such projects traditionally entail adapting network technologies and computerized systems to an organization's specific needs to expand employee interaction, improve customer communication, or create an online database of company projects, training, or sales data.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Office and administrative settings predominate. Web administrators work in businesses, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, and governments.
Human Environment. Self-discipline is required, given the many tasks web administrators must complete individually or with small teams. Patience, listening skills, and the ability to explain complex technological concepts are also beneficial.
Technological Environment. Web administration involves complex computerized technology, from data-communication systems to servers, intranets, software, and wireless technology. Web administrators are traditionally well-versed in several computer programming languages.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students can best prepare for a career in web administration by completing as many computer science courses as possible, including introductory programming, networking, desktop publishing, and word processing. Studying algebra, calculus, and trigonometry is also beneficial. Advanced Placement (AP) classes in computer-related subjects are especially recommended. Summer volunteer programs or internships in relevant fields can help students attain hands-on experience that will bolster their college applications.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary coursework exclusively dedicated to web administration is an emerging academic discipline. Few colleges and universities offer degree programs specifically in web administration, so aspiring web administrators usually complete postsecondary education in another computer-related field. While a bachelor’s degree is customary for most administrator jobs, positions in smaller companies may only require the applicant to have completed relevant certificate-level coursework.
Network security professionals customarily complete courses in telecommunications, software and web security, server administration, and operating system management. Many of these topics are covered in programs offering associate’s degrees and professional certificates in web administration.
More advanced coursework, such as that required for a bachelor’s degree in computer science, traditionally entails project management, business security, wireless systems administration, and financial systems management classes. Additional coursework in rhetorical communication, project management, and technical writing can benefit postsecondary students interested in a career in web administration.
Related Occupations
− Computer & Information Systems Manager
− Electronic Commerce Specialist
− Information Security Analyst
− Network & Computer Systems Administrator
Bibliography
"Network and Computer Systems Administrators." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 15-1244 Network and Computer Systems Administrators." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151244.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.
"Web Administrators." O*NET OnLine. National Center for O*NET Development, US Department of Labor, 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1299.01. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.