

Job profile
Administrator (m/f/d)
An administrator or admin, or IT-administrator in the IT sector, manages the company's entire IT architecture. They are the silent heroes behind the scenes who manage networks, servers and databases and ensure that companies can work efficiently and securely. The profession of administrator not only offers exciting challenges, but also a wide range of career opportunities in various industries. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tasks, requirements and prospects of this important profession.
Key Facts
Administrator





What is an administrator? Definition and overview
An administrator, often referred to as a system administrator or network administrator, is a professional who is responsible for the management and maintenance of IT systems. These systems can include networks, servers, databases and other technical infrastructures that are essential for the day-to-day operation of a company.
Administrators ensure that IT systems work reliably and efficiently. They monitor system performance, install and configure software and hardware, and carry out regular maintenance work to ensure the security and stability of the systems. They are also responsible for troubleshooting and problem solving when technical faults occur.
IT administrator salary: a comprehensive overview
IT administrators in Germany earn an average of €56,200 gross per year. This is what we found out in the Hays IT Salary Report. IT specialists with a degree earn on average 7% more than their colleagues with training. The industry and location also have an influence on the salary level of administrators. Earnings are highest in the automotive manufacturing and supply industry.

Starting salary as an administrator: Junior administrator salary
Newly qualified system administrators earn around €38,000 gross per year in the first few years of their career.

Senior Administrator Salary
Administrators in Germany with six years of professional experience or more can earn around €50,000 a year.
Was macht ein What does an administrator do? Tasks and activities
The administrator designs, implements and manages a company's IT infrastructure. They are responsible for electing suitable hardware and software, carrying out or monitoring installation and configuration, and implementing appropriate and constantly updated security measures. The IT administrator acts preventively, but also takes care of limiting and resolving faults. By responsibly controlling user rights, the administrator ensures that security and smooth communication within the company are guaranteed. The tasks of an administrator include:
- Selection, implementation, configuration and maintenance of the hardware and software architecture
- Monitoring the installation and configuration of IT systems
- Management of usage rights
- Prevention, regular data backup and error processing

How do you become an administrator? – Training, studies & further education
here are various ways to start a career as an administrator. Basically, the profession requires in-depth knowledge of information technology as well as practical experience in dealing with IT systems. There are two main ways to acquire the necessary qualifications: a degree programme or an apprenticeship. The main focus is on IT specialisms, such as computer science, software engineering, mathematics or physics. Specialised administrator training does not yet exist.
IT administrator training: The practical way
One option is to train as an IT specialist for system integration.
This apprenticeship usually lasts three years and combines practical work in a
company with theoretical lessons at a vocational college.
Trainees learn how to plan, install and maintain IT systems, as well as the basics of network technology and IT security. After completing their training, graduates are well prepared to work as system administrators. In addition, many companies offer further training opportunities to continuously expand the knowledge and skills of their employees.
Administrator study programme: The academic way
Degree programmes such as computer science, business informatics or network technology
provide a solid theoretical foundation and impart important knowledge in the areas of
programming, network security and system administration.
A Bachelor's degree in one of these subjects usually takes three to four years. Many universities also offer practice-orientated projects and internships that allow students to gain practical experience and apply their theoretical knowledge.
Skills of an administrator
As an IT specialist, the system administrator naturally needs comprehensive skills and knowledge of the most important hardware components as well as the common operating systems, clients, servers and database systems. They should be proficient in programming languages such as Java Script, Perl, PHP or Python and have experience in the administration of networks using TCP/IP, WLAN or VPN clients.
Comprehensive expertise in monitoring and securing systems and networks is also required. In order for an administrator to keep their knowledge up to date, they need a good command of English, as well as soft skills such as a sense of responsibility and initiative, the ability to work in a team and reliability. A willingness to undergo continuous further training is essential.
The most important skills of a system administrator are:
- Knowledge of clients, servers, database systems
- Knowledge of network architectures and cloud systems
- Multiple script languages
- Ability to work in a team, motivation, willingness to learn
Administrator career: opportunities on the labour market
Wherever IT systems and networks need to be planned, configured and managed, the system administrator bears the main responsibility for controlling all processes. And in the age of digital transformation, this can be anywhere, because hardly any area, be it services or production, can do without an IT department. There are therefore challenging positions for an administrator in large corporations, small and medium-sized companies - regardless of industry and across all sectors.
The demand for IT administrators has risen sharply in recent years. This is shown by the figures of the Hays Skilled Labour Index in the field of information technology. Of all the IT specialists analysed, the IT administrator is the fourth most sought-after role.
As digitalisation progresses and dependence on IT systems increases, the role of the administrator is becoming ever more important. Companies of all sizes and industries need qualified administrators to manage and protect their IT infrastructures. This makes the profession a future-proof career option with excellent employment prospects.
Top job offers for administrator: Jobs all over Germany
FAQ
An administrator, also known as a system administrator, is a specialist who is responsible for the management and maintenance of IT systems such as networks, servers and databases.
An administrator in Germany earns an average of €56,200 gross per year, although the salary can vary depending on the industry, location and qualifications. The starting salary is around €38,000 per year.
An administrator monitors system performance, installs and configures software and hardware, carries out regular maintenance work and ensures the security and stability of the IT systems.