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Entry Level Network Administrator Jobs in Alabama

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Entry Level Network Administrator information

See Alabama salary details

$30.4K

$74.1K

$112.4K

How much do entry level network administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level network administrator in Alabama is $74,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,400.00 and $84,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be a network administrator?

Entry-level network administrators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many employers preferring an associate's or bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA can enhance job prospects, and strong problem-solving skills along with knowledge of networking protocols and operating systems are essential.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level network administrators during their first year on the job?

Entry level network administrators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unfamiliar network issues, adapting to organization-specific protocols, and balancing multiple support requests simultaneously. Learning to efficiently document changes and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical staff is also crucial. With time, gaining confidence in using network monitoring tools and responding to security alerts becomes easier, and many organizations provide mentorship or structured training to help new administrators succeed.

What Does an Entry-Level Network Administrator Do?

As an entry-level network administrator, your job is to learn how to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair a network system. To accomplish this, you may purchase and replace hardware, train with the company's existing software, and provide service to either customers or coworkers. As an entry-level employee, your primary job is learning about your company's systems, which may frequently involve watching other administrators and providing minor support to a customer. Most companies use this position as a training role with the intention of promoting you to a full network administrator after you meet their criteria. Entry-level network administrators often use software to monitor network performance and analyze traffic.

How to become a network administrator with no experience?

To become an entry-level network administrator with no experience, focus on gaining foundational knowledge of networking concepts, protocols, and hardware through online courses or self-study. Earning certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA can demonstrate your skills to employers, and gaining hands-on experience through labs, internships, or volunteering can improve your prospects.

Can I become a sysadmin without a degree?

Entry level network administrators can often enter the field without a degree by gaining relevant certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA, and developing practical skills through hands-on experience. Employers may prioritize skills, certifications, and experience over formal education for these roles.

What does an Entry Level Network Administrator do?

An Entry Level Network Administrator is responsible for supporting and maintaining an organization’s computer networks. Their tasks typically include monitoring network performance, troubleshooting connectivity issues, setting up network hardware, and assisting with network security measures. They work under the supervision of more experienced IT staff to ensure reliable and efficient network operations. This role is a great starting point for those looking to build a career in network administration or IT.

What is the difference between Entry Level Network Administrator vs Network Technician?

AspectEntry Level Network AdministratorNetwork Technician
CertificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA (optional)CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA (optional)
Work EnvironmentNetwork management, configuration, troubleshooting, and monitoringHardware setup, cabling, on-site troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments, service providers, corporate networksTelecom companies, ISPs, enterprise networks

Both roles often require similar certifications like CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA. While a Network Technician focuses more on hardware and physical network setup, an Entry Level Network Administrator handles network configuration, management, and troubleshooting. The roles are complementary, with the administrator overseeing network health and the technician implementing physical infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Network Administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Network Administrator, you need a fundamental understanding of networking concepts, TCP/IP protocols, and at least an associate degree or relevant certification such as CompTIA Network+. Familiarity with network management tools, basic command-line utilities, and operating systems like Windows and Linux is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you diagnose and resolve network issues efficiently. These skills ensure reliable network operations and support the organization's IT infrastructure needs.

Is network administrator an entry-level role?

A network administrator role can be entry-level, especially for those with basic knowledge of networking concepts, operating systems, and certifications like CompTIA Network+. However, many positions require some prior experience or technical skills, and advanced roles often demand additional certifications or experience. Entry-level positions typically involve supporting existing networks and learning on the job.
More about Entry Level Network Administrator jobs
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Entry Level Network Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Network Administrator job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,096 per year, or $35.6 per hour.
IT Linux System Administrator 2

IT Linux System Administrator 2

United Launch Alliance

Decatur, AL • On-site

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

United Launch Alliance rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Requisition ID: 1843

Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00 

Location: ULA - Denver, ULA - Cape Canaveral, ULA - Decatur, ULA - Vandenberg AFB 

Relocation: No 

Travel Requirements: 10% 

At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.

Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!

Job Overview & Responsibilities

At ULA the System Administrator 2 - Linux is an entry-level to early-career role responsible for supporting the day-to-day administration, maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting of Linux systems in a production enterprise environment. This position works under the guidance of senior engineers and architects to help keep infrastructure stable, secure, and operational.

The role includes supporting Linux servers, assisting with patching and upgrades, monitoring system health, reviewing logs, managing user access, documenting work, and helping resolve operational issues. The ideal candidate brings strong foundational Linux skills, a willingness to learn, and a professional, team-oriented approach to day-to-day infrastructure support. Experience with HPC environments is helpful, but Linux administration remains the primary focus.

  • Support the administration, maintenance, and day-to-day operation of Linux servers and related infrastructure.
  • Monitor system health, availability, scheduled jobs, and basic performance indicators, and escalate issues as appropriate.
  • Review system and application logs to identify errors, failures, or abnormal conditions.
  • Assist with patching, upgrades, system maintenance, and routine operational tasks.
  • Help manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls in accordance with team processes.
  • Support backup verification, recovery tasks, and operational checks.
  • Troubleshoot basic to intermediate Linux system issues and work with senior team members on more complex problems.
  • Document system changes, procedures, troubleshooting steps, and operational activities.
  • Participate in incident response, support escalations, and team operating rhythms such as status meetings or daily tag-ups.
  • Assist with automation, scripting, or repeatable operational tasks where appropriate.
  • Partner with teammates across infrastructure, network, security, and support teams to resolve issues and improve service reliability.
  • Provide support for HPC-related systems or workloads when assigned, under guidance from senior staff.

Required Education

Bachelor

Required Years of Experience

Minimum of 2 years of related work experience

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field from an accredited college or university.
  • Four years of directly related exempt work experience may be used to satisfy the bachelor's degree requirement.
  • Foundational Linux administration skills (e.g., users, permissions, services, storage, patching, logs, monitoring).
  • Experience with Linux CLI and common distributions (e.g., RHEL, Rocky, AlmaLinux, Ubuntu).
  • Basic troubleshooting skills and ability to follow procedures and escalation paths.
  • Understanding of system operations: monitoring, backups, scheduled jobs, and server health.
  • Basic knowledge of networking, storage, and security concepts in Linux environments.
  • Ability to perform routine admin tasks with guidance and document work clearly.
  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Detail-oriented, dependable, and able to follow processes.
  • Team-oriented with willingness to learn and take feedback.
  • Sound judgment on when to troubleshoot independently vs. escalate.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain active DoD TS/SCI is required. US citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

 Hands-on Linux experience (internships, coursework, homelab, or prior roles) 
Familiarity with enterprise Linux (e.g., RHEL or similar) and package/service management 
Basic scripting or automation experience (Bash, Python, or similar) 
Exposure to enterprise tools (monitoring, ticketing, documentation, change management) 
Familiarity with virtualization, cloud, or storage platforms 
Exposure to HPC or clustered environments is a plus 
Entry-level certification (RHCSA, Linux+, or similar) is a plus 
Exposure to scripting/automation (Bash, Python, Ansible) is a plus 
Familiarity with virtualization, cloud, or HPC environments is a plus
Understanding of core admin tasks (users/groups, permissions, storage, log analysis, backups) 
Exposure to configuration management or automation concepts 
Organized, dependable, and able to manage multiple tasks 
Collaborative, professional, and patient when supporting others

Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver, ULA - Cape Canaveral, ULA - Decatur, ULA - Vandenberg AFB only):  $81,695.00 - $136,159.00 

Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay. 

What makes ULA different?

Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.

We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:

  • 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
  • Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
  • Generous paid time off
  • Flexible work environments

Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).

ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).

Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted

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