If you end up getting a sysadmin position with an internal IT department, I think 40 hours or less in the norm. You’ll have some after hours and weekend work undoubtedly, but it’s usually just bouncing servers here and there, making a few changes you couldn’t do during business hours, etc.

How many hours does a network administrator work?

Network administrators, like other computer professionals, work in an office environment. Most put in forty hours or more of work per week. Much of the job is performed alone, but the administrator must also work with users who are not comfortable with the system or who are experiencing difficulties.

Is system administration hard?

It is not that it is hard, it requires a certain person, dedication, and most importantly experience. Do not be that person that thinks you can pass some tests and drop into a system admin job. I generally don’t even consider someone for system admin unless they have a good ten years of working up the ladder.