Find out what IT administrators do, what skills they have and what areas they specialise in. Take a look at their work and possible career paths.

What is the role of an IT administrator? Types and specialisations.

Simply put, an IT administrator is a person who is responsible for the smooth operation of the entire IT infrastructure in a given organisation. They may be responsible, for example, for the proper functioning of servers, network security, or the reliability of individual systems or software.

At this point, we must note that all these responsibilities do not always belong to the same person. On the contrary. Over the years, the role of so-called admins has changed significantly, adapting to the specific nature and size of particular companies. In the past? It was enough to be “knowledgeable” about basic issues in the broadly understood field of IT. And now? Expertise and specialisation are what count.

That is why you can find many different specialists on the job market, e.g. in the field of:

• networks – they deal with the configuration of routers, switches and ensuring smooth communication between devices,
• systems – responsible for servers, operating systems and software,
• databases – managing databases, optimising performance and ensuring information integrity,
• IT security – protecting the organisation against cyber attacks and implementing security policies.

Of course, in small companies, one administrator often combines several roles. However, in large companies, each specialisation usually has a dedicated expert or even several.

What do they do at work? Tasks and responsibilities of IT administrators.

Typical and routine tasks include activities such as data backup, system installation and updating, infrastructure security monitoring, software licence management, and documentation of changes and procedures.

An important part of their responsibilities are also emergency tasks, i.e. those that must be performed as quickly as possible – usually immediately after problems or serious failures occur. Every second counts, which means that the administrator must react quickly – sometimes even in the middle of the night (some companies introduce special on-call shifts). 

The work of IT administrators also involves continuous learning. Constant changes in technology, growing threats, and evolving user expectations mean that they must constantly expand and update their knowledge. Regular training, conferences, and independent experimentation are the norm in this job.

What skills must an IT administrator have?

We need to divide them into two groups:

• Technical skills, i.e. those strictly related to infrastructure, software and all hardware. Knowledge of how they work, how they interact and the potential risks involved is an absolute must.
• Soft skills, i.e. those related to the way of working and cooperation. These include communication, working under time pressure and the ability to manage stress.

Salaries in the IT industry. How much does an administrator earn in Poland?

Whatever else may be said, it must be admitted that IT is one of the better-paid industries in our country. A novice administrator can expect a gross salary of PLN 5,000-7,000. If they have more experience (backed up by practice), they can earn as much as PLN 8,000-12,000. And if we are talking about a true expert, a salary of PLN 15,000 or PLN 20,000 is the norm. Naturally, earnings vary depending on location, company size, industry and technologies used.

How to become an administrator? Education and career path.

Of course, the most classic path is to undertake and complete a degree in computer science. However, there are many people on the market who have achieved success without such a degree, but rather through dedicated courses and training. Courses, training and practical experience can be equally effective.

The most “typical” career path for an IT administrator is as follows:

• Starting as an intern or junior employee – performing basic tasks and learning under the guidance of more experienced colleagues.
• Regular administrator – independently manages systems – specialises in a specific field.
• Senior administrator – an expert in their field, often mentoring younger colleagues.
• IT architect or manager – manages a team or designs solutions.

Do you need someone to take responsibility for administering the IT infrastructure in your organisation?

It’s simple – just use our services. As an experienced team of experts, we offer both ongoing system maintenance and consulting, as well as ad hoc support when you need it most. Contact us to discuss the details and learn more about the possibilities of potential cooperation.