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AI exposure Computer and mathematical

Will AI replace network and computer systems administrators?

Network and Computer Systems Administrators. US occupation 15-1244.

33.7%

of the time network and computer systems administrators spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of network and computer systems administrators' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.

Ranked 52 of 756 US occupations. More exposed than 93% of them.Further along than 93% of them.

Average US job 7.7%

One of the most exposed jobs in the country.Front of the queue for an AI assistant.

What AI already does for network and computer systems administratorsWhat network and computer systems administrators no longer do alone

O*NET lists 20 tasks for network and computer systems administrators. AI use at work shows up in 6 of them. Each score runs from 0.5, where every observed use helps a person with the task, to 1, where every use does the task outright.

  1. Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.Core task mostly automated 0.94
  2. Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.Core task mostly automated 0.91
  3. Implement and provide technical support for voice services and equipment, such as private branch exchange, voice mail system, and telecom system. mostly automated 0.90
  4. Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.Core task automated and assisted 0.83
  5. Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.Core task automated and assisted 0.72
  6. Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.Core task automated and assisted 0.70

What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human

14 of the 20 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.

  • Confer with network users about solutions to existing system problems.Core task
  • Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.Core task
  • Coordinate with vendors and with company personnel to facilitate purchases.Core task
  • Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements.Core task
  • Maintain an inventory of parts for emergency repairs.Core task
  • Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.Core task
Show the other 8
  • Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records.Core task
  • Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and where changes will be needed in the future.Core task
  • Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use.Core task
  • Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.Core task
  • Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records.Core task
  • Research new technologies by attending seminars, reading trade articles, or taking classes, and implement or recommend the implementation of new technologies.Core task
  • Train people in computer system use.Core task
  • Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms.

How that compares

Among the 21 computer and mathematical occupations, network and computer systems administrators rank 12. The group averages 37.9%, and its most exposed job is Computer Programmers at 74.5%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.

All 756 occupations, ranked

Just above in the ranking

  1. 49Accountants and Auditors 34.8%
  2. 50Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners 34.3%
  3. 51Computer and Information Research Scientists 34.0%

Just below

  1. 53Database Administrators 33.2%
  2. 54Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary 32.2%
  3. 54Retail Salespersons 32.2%

What this does and does not mean

Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.

A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.

Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.