Network and Computer Systems Administrators vs Project Management Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Project Management Specialists professionals earn $3,950 more per year than Network and Computer Systems Administrators professionals — that's 4.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Network and Computer Systems Administrators earns $150,320 compared to $165,790 for Project Management Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Network and Computer Systems Administrators$60,320 – $150,320
Project Management Specialists$59,830 – $165,790
$59,830$165,790
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Project Management Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $60,320 | $59,830 | +$490 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,860 | $76,950 | $-1,090 |
| Median (50th) | $96,800 | $100,750 | $-3,950 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,390 | $131,660 | $-8,270 |
| 90th Percentile | $150,320 | $165,790 | $-15,470 |
| Mean (Average) | $101,190 | $108,100 | $-6,910 |
Employment Numbers
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
318,570
employed nationwide
Project Management Specialists
1,006,160
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Network and Computer Systems Administrators
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $128,620 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $127,030 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $124,050 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $119,150 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $113,030 |
Best Cities for Project Management Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $136,250 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $132,530 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $125,390 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $123,670 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $121,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Network and Computer Systems Administrators or Project Management Specialists?
Project Management Specialists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $3,950 (4.1% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators salaries range from $60,320 (10th percentile) to $150,320 (90th percentile), with a median of $96,800.
What is the salary range for Project Management Specialists?
Project Management Specialists salaries range from $59,830 (10th percentile) to $165,790 (90th percentile), with a median of $100,750.
How many Network and Computer Systems Administrators and Project Management Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 318,570 Network and Computer Systems Administrators positions and 1,006,160 Project Management Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Project Management Specialists to Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Network and Computer Systems Administrators has a median salary of $96,800 while Project Management Specialists earns $100,750. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS