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Computer systems security administrators install, design, configure and support a company's internal and external networks, controlling the way information flows through the company, as well as to and from the company. Computer security specialists plan, coordinate and implement security systems, protecting data from hacking and virus attacks and stopping unauthorized distribution of the company's intellectual properties. They encrypt data, implement plans for keeping it safe and monitor who uses that data.

Educational opportunities for computer systems security administrator jobs

Most computer systems security administrators have a bachelor's degree, although sometimes experience from other jobs accompanied by an associate degree or professional certification may be all you need to get started.

Computer systems security administrator training online or on campus may be one way to get started in this career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) points out that several different college majors may help you land a position in this field including computer science, information science and management information systems. Certain fields or positions may also require an MBA with a concentration in information systems.

For some positions in computer systems security administration, you may benefit from testing for and receiving certification from either a computer training company, community college, or hardware or software manufacturer. Certifications may lead to advancement in your company and an accompanying raise in salary.

Computer systems security administrator salary

According to the Occupational Information Network (ONET), the computer systems security administrator median salary in 2009 was $32.55 hourly and $67,710 annual.

Job opportunities for computer systems security administrator positions are expected to grow by 20 percent between 2008 and 2018. According to the BLS, job prospects are excellent, with projected employment increasing in related jobs, such as network systems and data communications analysts.

According to the BLS, metropolitan areas with the highest wages relative to the cost of living for network and computer systems administrators are

• Brideport-Stamford-Norwalk, Connecticut--$84,250
• Vallejo-Fairfield, California--$86,110
• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California--$98,570

Some of the states with the highest employment and annual mean wages from 2009 are:

• Washington, D.C., 4,900 employed, $79,170
• Virginia, 18,460 employed, $78,290
• Colorado, 9,370 employed, $76,110

As more companies store their client and customer information in their networks and databases, cloud computing expands, and technology races forward, the demand for computer systems security administrators promises to increase.