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Entry Level Network Administrator Jobs in Rhode Island

Entry Level Network Administrator information

See Rhode Island salary details

$32.8K

$80.1K

$121.4K

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

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level network administrator in Rhode Island is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $91,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level network administrator?

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.

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 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.

Is it hard to get a network administrator job?

Entry level network administrator positions can be competitive, but having relevant certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA, along with foundational knowledge of networking concepts and experience with network hardware, can improve your chances. Employers often look for practical skills and a willingness to learn, making it accessible for candidates with the right training and credentials.

What qualifications do I need to be an entry level network administrator?

An entry-level network administrator typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with foundational knowledge of networking concepts. Certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA can improve job prospects, and familiarity with network hardware, operating systems, and troubleshooting tools is often required.

What are the most commonly searched types of Network Administrator jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Network Administrator jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Network Administrator jobs in Rhode Island?

For Entry Level Network Administrator jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Network Administrator jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Network Administrator jobs in Rhode Island are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Network Administrator job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

This is an entry-level, flex, 8-hrs/week non-exempt position that will be working in our Pawtucket, RI location.
This position is not eligible for benefits and has an hourly rate starting at $18-$20/hr. with shift differential.
This is a fantastic opportunity to receive valuable training to not only start your career, but also to advance it.
CRJ offers opportunities for tremendous career advancement and professional development.
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Front Desk Duties: general reception, sign residents in and out, take calls, greet and sign in visitors, telephone spot checks, enter documentation in SecurManage, sort and distribute mail
  • Security/Accountability Duties: conduct house rounds (life/safety checks) as scheduled, perform nightly bed checks, perform bag, pat, and room searches, monitor resident daily details, enter documentation in SecurManage.
  • Take urine samples per schedule and complete documentation, administer alco-sensor tests, enter documentation in SecurManage.
  • Serve as pro-social role model to residents to support their behavior change, and to effectively convey information and respond to resident concerns, needs, and complaints.
  • Attend training and staff meetings as required. Perform other job-related projects and activities as requested or directed.

Job Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Associate's degree preferred but not required.
  • 1-2 years of security experience preferred but not required.
  • Must complete preemployment background check.

About CRJ: Our Mission, Your Opportunity
Community Resources for Justice (CRJ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing lives and strengthening communities through direct service, advocacy, and innovation. We operate across four core service lines:
  • Community Strategies (CS): Supporting adults with developmental disabilities to live independently and thrive in their communities. Providing a range of top-quality residential and non-residential programs for men and women with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Our programs offer individual and group treatment and are geared toward promoting independence and improving life skills. Clients also receive support with job development, on-the-job coaching, and educational opportunities.
  • Reentry Services (RS): Supporting people leaving incarceration to make positive, sustainable life transitions. We firmly believe that change is possible and attainable for all that we serve. With a strict focus on outcomes, the Reentry Services Division is committed to delivering contemporary and evidence-based services to the individuals in our care. Through delivering innovative programming and collaborating with community agencies, we provide hope and support to our clients as they make safe and successful transitions into their communities.
  • Crime & Justice Institute (CJI): Driving bold, transformative improvements in adult and youth justice systems by working with working with local, state, and national criminal justice organizations to improve public safety and the delivery of justice. The CJI team brings decades of experience developing evidence-based, data-driven policies, managing complex processes with diverse stakeholders, and driving systems-level organizational change. Our energetic staff and network of consultants come from a variety of backgrounds.
  • Family Reentry (FRE): At Family Reentry, we address the often-intertwining problems of behavioral health, domestic violence, reentry, recidivism, and risks to youth by offering evidence-based interventions to provide support and effect positive change. We offer a holistic approach by working to connect clients to basic needs and offering support to create change and increase stronger coping and life skills.

CRJ is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in all its forms and encourage candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences to apply.
Ready to make a difference? Apply today and be part of the change!
The pay range for this role is:
18 - 22 USD per hour (US)