Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Network and computer systems admins do a mix of tasks like setting up data backups, checking network health, and testing equipment ^[1]. Many routine tasks (for example, running scheduled backups or basic network checks) already use automated tools. If a hard drive is failing, monitoring software can warn the admin.

Industry analysts note that IT teams are increasingly using AI-based analytics and intelligent automation to keep networks running ^[2]. In practical terms, this means software can flag issues or adjust settings (an approach often called “AIOps”), which saves admins time on tedious monitoring. However, not everything is automated.

Complex jobs – like designing a new network layout or fixing an entirely novel problem – still need a person’s judgment. Tasks such as configuring a company’s phone system or learning new technology usually require hands-on work or human support. In sum, many routine network tasks can already be partly automated or supported by AI tools, but human experts still do the harder, non-routine work ^{[1] [2]}.

Whether companies adopt AI tools quickly depends on costs, benefits, and trust. Big benefits can come from automating routine network work, which saves money (admins in this field earn about \$97K a year on average ^[1]). For example, using software for tasks like backups or updates can cut human labor time.

A recent Gartner report notes that as networks get more complex, IT leaders turn to AI and automation to improve reliability and performance ^[2]. This suggests large companies with many users are likely to use AI faster, since they can afford new tools and need to manage big networks. On the other hand, buying and setting up AI systems can be expensive and tricky for smaller shops.

Socially and ethically, most people are comfortable with AI handling predictable tasks but still rely on humans for emergencies or creative problem-solving. In this field, there aren’t major legal barriers to using AI, but there is high pressure for networks to stay safe and stable. Overall, AI adoption in network administration will probably grow over time: it’s useful for cutting down routine work and helping teams spot issues faster, but it won’t replace the human side of the job.

Skills like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking remain important, so network admins who learn to work with AI tools should stay in demand ^{[2] [1]}.