How to become a Systems Administrator

Also called: ICT Systems Manager

Plans, develops, installs, troubleshoots, maintains and supports an operating system and associated server hardware, software and databases, ensuring optimum system integrity, security, backup and performance.

Main tasks

• Installs, configures and maintains server hardware, software, operating systems and databases infrastructure
• Diagnoses and resolves hardware, software and network connectivity issues to ensure uninterrupted system operation
• Conducts regular system backups and recovery procedures, ensuring data safety and integrity
• Facilitates IT infrastructure changes through change management processes, in accordance with organisational protocols
• Provides system related technical support and guidance to end users
• Manages user accounts, permissions and security policies to ensure data security and compliance with regulations

Ways in

• University: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50220); Certificate IV in Computer Systems (UEE40120); Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering (UEE50122)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $127,972 a year
• About 68,900 people work in this job group now, and about 85,400 are projected by 2035. (+24%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Database Administrator
• Cyber Governance Risk and Compliance Specialist
• Cyber Security Advice and Assessment Specialist
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Cyber Security Architect
• Cyber Security Engineer

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Systems Administrator?

Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees; Diploma of Information Technology; Certificate IV in Computer Systems.

How much does a Systems Administrator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $127,972 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Systems Administrator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 24% by 2035, from about 68,900 to about 85,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Systems Administrator?

Not always. 51% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees; Diploma of Information Technology; Certificate IV in Computer Systems.

Will AI change the work of a Systems Administrator?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04