How to Make 6 Figures As A Network Systems Administrator? (11 Best Ways in 2024)
So you want to make six figures as a network systems administrator? Good for you! Being a network systems administrator is a highly respectable and well-paid profession, and there's no reason why you can't earn a high income if you put your mind to it.
In this blog post, we'll look at some of the best ways to make more money as a network systems administrator - business ideas you can start to achieve such income. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Digital products ($242K/month)
Starting a digital product business could be a lucrative way for you to supplement your income and even make six figures as a network systems administrator. Given your technical skills, you could create software-based products like network management tools, cybersecurity applications, or even educational courses focused on IT certifications. The ease of creating and sharing these digital products means you won't need to hire external help, and you can sell your products directly from your website without the need for physical inventory.
Moreover, digital products are in high demand and can quickly scale. With the popularity of ebooks, online courses, and membership sites, you have numerous avenues to explore. The low overhead costs and potential for high profit margins make selling digital products an attractive side venture that could significantly boost your income.
How much you can make: $10,417 — $1,766,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
FilterGrade is an eCommerce platform offering digital assets such as photo filters and video templates; attracting over 450,000 monthly users and generating approximately 30k a month, the founders worked hard to build a valuable marketplace for creators while focusing on digital marketing, partnerships, and content creation.
2. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)
Creating a YouTube channel could help you make six figures as a network systems administrator by allowing you to share your expertise and insights with a global audience. By offering tutorials, troubleshooting guides, or insights into the latest industry trends, you could build a strong subscriber base. Once you meet YouTube's criteria of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, you could join the YouTube Partner Program to start monetizing your content.
In addition to ad revenue, you could explore other revenue streams such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and exclusive membership offerings for in-depth courses or consultations. The popularity of YouTube provides a vast platform to showcase your skills, creating multiple income streams and potentially leading to a full-fledged business on the side. Leveraging your existing expertise and passion for network systems, a well-managed YouTube channel could considerably supplement your income and even become a significant revenue source.
How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.
3. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)
Starting a blog could enable you to leverage your expertise as a network systems administrator to generate supplemental income or even build a full-fledged business. With 77% of internet users reading blogs and over 409 million people viewing more than 20 billion pages each month, there is a significant audience hungry for trustworthy information in your field.
By creating high-quality, niche content that addresses key issues, trends, and technologies in network administration, you could attract a dedicated following. This, in turn, could open up opportunities for monetizing your blog through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and online courses, paving the way toward a lucrative side hustle or even a primary income stream.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
4. Become an affiliate marketer ($55.3K/month)
As a Network Systems Administrator, you could significantly boost your income by delving into affiliate marketing. This venture allows you to promote other companies' products or services, earning a commission for each sale initiated through your unique referral links. It’s a low-cost business idea since you won’t need to create or manage the products yourself, utilizing instead your existing marketing skills to drive traffic and sales.
Starting is straightforward: sign up for affiliate programs within a niche that complements your professional experience or personal interests. Once approved, you'll receive tracking links that help companies credit you for the referred sales. Given the minimal upfront investment required, affiliate marketing presents a lucrative and accessible route to supplement your income and edge closer to making six figures.
How much you can make: $18,000 — $83,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
5. Create an online course ($82.8K/month)
Starting an online course could significantly boost your income as a network systems administrator by allowing you to capitalize on your specialized knowledge and experience. You could identify educational gaps in network security, system optimization, or cloud computing, and develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials tailored to address these needs. This entrepreneurial venture not only provides flexibility—whether through self-paced or cohort-based structures—but also creates a passive income stream once your student base is established.
For those who enjoy sharing information, launching an online course platform provides a cost-effective way to monetize your expertise with minimal startup costs. By serving a community of lifelong learners who seek convenient access to cutting-edge subjects, you could turn your instructional talents into a lucrative business, potentially bringing you closer to a six-figure income. Through meticulous content creation and effective marketing, your course could become a sought-after resource, underpinning your financial growth in 2024 and beyond.
How much you can make: $275 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
6. Start a career coaching business ($48.5K/month)
Starting a career coaching business could be a fruitful avenue for you to make six figures as a network systems administrator. Leveraging your expertise, you could provide specialized guidance and support to clients, helping them advance their careers through personalized advice in areas such as resume building, interview prep, and professional development. This entrepreneurial venture allows you to tap into the burgeoning demand for career development services, all while setting your own schedule and working either in-person or virtually.
By creating custom sessions tailored to each client's aspirations, you empower their professional breakthroughs, building a loyal client base. Your deep understanding of the IT industry, combined with human resources expertise and a talent for motivational speaking, positions you uniquely to offer high-value, niche coaching services. Over time, this supplementary income can grow substantially, potentially propelling you to achieve a six-figure income alongside your primary role.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $235,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Wall Street Oasis, the largest online community focused on careers in finance, has over 100 million visitors during its 14-year history and is currently receiving over 2 million visits per month, offering interview courses and mentorship services, in addition to building and investing in a thriving online community.
7. Start a freelance writing business ($62.6K/month)
Starting a freelance writing business could provide a unique avenue to supplement your income as a network systems administrator. This flexible online job allows you to work from home and define your own schedule, making it an ideal side hustle that can fit around your primary career commitments. With strong writing skills and the ability to meet deadlines, you could write articles, guides, and reviews on tech-related topics, leveraging your industry expertise.
Freelancing gives you the freedom to explore various niches and write about topics assigned by clients, potentially diversifying your income streams. As a self-starter with proper communication skills, you could stay on the cutting edge of writing trends and leverage current writing tools to enhance your productivity. By balancing both careers, you could increase your overall earnings and move closer to that six-figure milestone as a network systems administrator.
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
8. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could significantly supplement your income as a network systems administrator by allowing you to share your expertise with a broad audience. You could create informative episodes covering topics like network security, system optimization, and the latest trends in IT, attracting listeners who are eager to stay informed and improve their skills.
By promoting your podcast through social media and online communities, you could build a substantial following, opening up revenue streams through sponsorships and advertisements. Additionally, your podcast could establish you as an authority in your field, potentially leading to consulting opportunities or higher-paying job offers.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
9. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)
Starting an eCommerce store could provide a lucrative opportunity to supplement your income as a network systems administrator, potentially helping you to achieve six figures. Given the booming eCommerce industry and its advantages, you could leverage your technical skills to set up and optimize a seamless online shopping experience. With lower overhead costs, the flexibility to run your business alongside your day job, and the ability to reach a broader audience, starting an eCommerce store offers significant potential for additional revenue.
As a network systems administrator, your technical expertise already equips you with skills like website setup, managing inventory tracking software, and securing payment processing systems. This could give you a head start in the technical aspects of running an eCommerce business, allowing you to focus on scaling and marketing your store. By tapping into the growing preference for online shopping and offering products or services that resonate with consumers, you could create a substantial additional income stream.
How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
10. Start a social media marketing agency ($386K/month)
Starting a social media marketing agency could be an excellent way to supplement your income as a network systems administrator and potentially help you reach a six-figure salary. Without significant time commitment, you could leverage automation tools to manage social media campaigns effectively, allowing you to focus on your primary job while still earning extra income. This flexibility can help you finance your college education, clear utility bills, or save for vacations.
By developing a robust social media marketing strategy and creating a compelling agency portfolio, you could attract and efficiently serve a variety of clients. This entrepreneurial venture allows you to apply your technical skills in a new, productive way while exploring a creative field. Overall, this side business could not only boost your financial status but also expand your professional skill set and network.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,166,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
11. Become a social media influencer ($57.4K/month)
Starting a social media influencer career could provide a lucrative side income or even a primary business pathway for a network systems administrator. With your technical expertise, you could establish credibility in the tech industry by sharing valuable insights, tutorials, and reviews on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Brands are eager to collaborate with influencers who command a niche audience, and your specialized knowledge in network systems could attract tech companies and startups looking to market their products or services.
Additionally, you could leverage your existing skills to create engaging content that resonates with a highly-targeted audience seeking expert advice in network administration. By consistently producing high-quality, relevant content, you could build a large, loyal following, opening up opportunities for sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and other revenue streams. This entrepreneurial endeavor could significantly supplement your income, potentially pushing you towards the six-figure mark as you gain more influence and credibility in the tech sphere.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $166,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)
How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)
How one mother built a profitable frugal motherhood, life, and travel blog from scratch, using Instagram, Pinterest, and paid sponsorships to grow from 0 to 18.5K followers and generate $1,500-$3,000 per month in less than two years.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
