Job Outlook
Employment of Network and Computer Systems Administrators is expected to increase by 27% nationally and 28% in Illinois over the next decade, which is much faster than average for all occupations. Computer networks have become an integral part of business, and demand for Network and Computer Systems Administrators will increase as firms continue to invest in new technologies. The wide use of technologies means that more establishments will use the Internet to conduct business online. This growth translates into a need for systems administrators who can help organizations use technology to communicate with employees, clients, and consumers. The information security field (aka cyber security) is expected to generate many new system administrator jobs over the next decade as firms across all industries place a high priority on safeguarding their data and systems.*¹ A June 2007 report ranked Champaign-Urbana as one of the 10 best locations for a secure data center, partially due to the availability of data security skills in the market area.**

Earning Potential
In 2007, Network & Computer Systems Administraters earned an average of $67,850 nationally and $67,320 in Illinois; Network Systems & Data Communicatons Analysts earned an average of $70,760 nationally and $71,010 in the state of Illinois.*

Academic/Career Advancement
With additional education or experience, Network System Administrators may become responsible for an enterprise-wide network, specialize in cyber security, or advance to network engineer or computer systems analyst. Parkland also offers transfer agreements with Southern Illinois University (SIU), University of Illinois-Springfield (UIS), and Eastern Illinois University (EIU). Network System Admin students can transfer their A.A.S. toward a B.S. in Information Systems Technologies (SIU), a B.S. in Computer Science (UIS) or a B.S. in Career and Organizational Studies (EIU). Opportunities to earn higher degrees are also available through 2+2 agreements with other colleges and universities such as Franklin, Greenville, and Regis.