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Entry Level Network Administrator Jobs in Reston, VA

Patriot, LLC

Entry Level Helpdesk Specialist

Dulles, VA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Adds new users to the network and specifies their directory structures and system access, password ... MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) preferred * A+ Certification preferred Clearance ...

Patriot

Entry Level Helpdesk Specialist

Ashburn, VA · On-site

Adds new users to the network and specifies their directory structures and system access, password ... MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) preferred * A+ Certification preferred Clearance ...

Chenega MIOS

VTC Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

Collaborate with network and systems administrators to optimize VTC performance. * Document issues ... From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there's always room to learn. We offer ...

Chenega MIOS

VTC Technician

Washington, DC

Collaborate with network and systems administrators to optimize VTC performance. * Document issues ... From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there's always room to learn. We offer ...

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All JobsEntry Level Network Administrator JobsEntry Level Network Administrator Jobs in Reston, VA

Entry Level Network Administrator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$34.9K

$85K

$129K

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

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level network administrator in Reston, VA is $85,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $97,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 through online courses or self-study, and obtain relevant certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA. Practical experience can be built by setting up home labs, volunteering for IT tasks, or participating in internships to develop skills in network configuration, troubleshooting, and security.

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 such 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 job?

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.

What is a typical sysadmin salary?

A typical entry-level network administrator salary ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA. Salaries tend to increase with experience, additional skills, and specialized tools knowledge, such as network security or cloud platforms.
More about Entry Level Network Administrator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Network Administrator jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Network Administrator jobs in Reston, VA are:
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What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Network Administrator jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Network Administrator job openings:
Entry Level Network Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Network Administrator job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,048 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Network Operations Technician

Network Operations Technician

Barbaricum

Washington, DC

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Network Operations Technician. Palantir's Site Reliability Network Operations Center members (SRN) are the first line of defense on alerting and monitoring across a wide network of Palantir products and installations. Our SRNs are entry-level systems administrators with a strong work ethic and drive to scale their own abilities across their domain. We value candidates who are detail-oriented while also being able to think and react quickly to emerging and unique problem sets. To be successful in this role you'll be someone who is able to rapidly adapt and learn how to operate the front and back end of new products and processes. You'll be responsible for driving availability of our most critical user environments through direct technical support and high signal collaboration with Palantir Engineers and Developers.

Responsibilities:

  • First line for monitoring and alerting on Palantir's production user environments.
  • Drive High Availability of the deployed products and provide signal around product bugs and issues.
  • Enable continuous delivery of Palantir product bundles through data transfer operations and patch deployment.
  • Work with remote and local Palantir engineers in debugging product issues across a wide network of environments.
  • Provide direct user support to a large group of geographically dispersed users.
  • Provide diagnostic signal to developers on product performance and data health through log retrieval and administrative workflows.
  • Wide knowledge of Palantir's core products in order to perform Front end and Back end Administrative tasks and User Management.

Qualifications

  • Active DoD TS/SCI
  • 8570 Compliant Certification(Sec +, CISSP, etc.).
  • Hard working and professional, with the ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks in a timely and purposeful manner.
  • Adaptable learner that can adopt new processes and workflows.
  • Hardware and Software troubleshooting fundamentals.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an enthusiasm for in working in a highly-collaborative setting - sharing best practices, lessons learned and assisting where gaps exist.

Apply