Overview Salaries

Systems Administrator Salaries

Updated on Sep 14, 2026
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Salary

How much does a Systems Administrator make?

The average salary for a Systems Administrator is $100,408 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Systems Administrator positions, showing an average salary of $100,408 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Systems Administrator positions, showing an average salary of $100,408 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Systems Administrator positions, showing an average salary of $100,408 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Systems Administrator positions, showing an average salary of $100,408 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Systems Administrators play a crucial role in ensuring that computer systems run smoothly. They manage servers, networks, and databases, keeping everything in top shape. The demand for skilled Systems Administrators is strong, and this reflects in their earnings. The average yearly salary for Systems Administrators is around $100,408. This salary varies depending on experience, skills, and the company.

A good Systems Administrator can earn significantly more. The top-earning Systems Administrators make around $187,500 per year. This is often due to their advanced skills, certifications, and years of experience. A Systems Administrator with less experience might start at about $45,000 per year. With more experience, salaries can grow quickly. An experienced Systems Administrator might earn between $135,682 and $161,591 per year. This shows that there is a lot of room for salary growth in this field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Systems Administrator?

Systems Administrators can find some of the best-paying jobs in San Francisco, where salaries average over $123,000. Close behind, Manchester, NH, offers a strong average salary of around $117,000. Washington, DC, and San Diego, CA, also provide attractive compensation packages for IT professionals in this field. Other cities with competitive salaries include San Jose, CA, Seattle, WA, and Colorado Springs, CO. These locations offer average salaries ranging from $114,000 to $117,000, making them excellent places for Systems Administrators to consider. Stamford, CT, Huntsville, AL, and Baltimore, MD, follow with solid average earnings above $107,000. Each of these cities offers unique opportunities for those looking to advance their careers in systems administration.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Systems Administrator jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $123,805 and Baltimore, MD with the lowest at $107,676.

  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $123,805
    In San Francisco, IT pros have many job options. Top tech firms like Google and Salesforce value strong IT support. Working here means keeping up with the fast pace of the tech world.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $117,386
    Manchester offers a mix of tech work and a friendly atmosphere. Local companies in finance and healthcare need skilled IT staff. This city balances tech tasks with a welcoming environment.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Manchester, NH


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $116,236
    In Washington, DC, systems experts work with government and tech firms. They manage critical IT systems. This role often includes high responsibility and good benefits.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Washington, DC


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $115,766
    San Diego offers beautiful weather and a strong tech scene. Companies here focus on innovation. IT pros help keep systems running smoothly for businesses and startups.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $113,973
    San Jose is at the heart of Silicon Valley. IT workers help power tech giants like Apple and Intel. This city's fast-paced tech environment is exciting and challenging.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $113,655
    Seattle is a tech hub with major companies like Amazon and Microsoft. IT staff here ensure everything runs smoothly. The city offers many chances for career growth.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $112,161
    In Colorado Springs, IT pros work for defense and tech companies. They support critical systems. The city offers a mix of outdoor activities and tech opportunities.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  8. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $110,623
    Stamford boasts a mix of finance and tech companies. IT experts here keep business systems running well. The area offers a good work-life balance.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Stamford, CT


  9. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $107,829
    Huntsville is known for its aerospace and defense sectors. IT pros work with big companies like NASA. They help keep complex systems running smoothly.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Huntsville, AL


  10. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $107,676
    Baltimore offers a blend of tech and healthcare jobs. IT pros help manage systems for local firms. The city has a growing tech scene with many opportunities.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Baltimore, MD

What are the best companies a Systems Administrator can work for?

Captiva Software leads in offering top pay for Systems Administrator roles. With an average salary of around $200,000, it stands out for those in the field. AKON, Inc. and Constellation Technologies, Inc. also provide competitive compensation, making them attractive choices for job seekers. Companies like Power Solutions and Cornerstone Defense offer salaries over $170,000, showing strong commitment to employee pay. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and Markon follow closely, ensuring robust financial rewards. Belay Technologies, Draper, and JASINT Consulting and Technologies, LLC round out the list with salaries exceeding $150,000. These companies recognize the value of skilled Systems Administrators.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Systems Administrator jobs, highlighting Captiva Software with the highest at $200,000 and JASINT Consulting and Technologies, LLC with the lowest at $143,658.

  1. Captiva Software
    Average Salary: $200,000
    Captiva Software offers high-paying System Administrator jobs. Captiva works with many clients in the banking, insurance, and financial sectors. The company operates in the U.S. with offices in California, Massachusetts, and New York.


  2. AKON, Inc.
    Average Salary: $187,682
    AKON, Inc. provides rewarding System Administrator positions. The company focuses on government and commercial markets. AKON operates in several U.S. locations including Maryland, Virginia, and California.


  3. Constellation Technologies, Inc
    Average Salary: $184,923
    Constellation Technologies, Inc offers competitive System Administrator roles. This company works with defense and government agencies. Constellation has offices in Maryland, Virginia, and Texas.


  4. Power Solutions
    Average Salary: $180,033
    Power Solutions pays well for System Administrator jobs. They serve various industries including government and utilities. The company operates in the U.S. with locations in California and Virginia.


  5. Cornerstone Defense
    Average Salary: $172,679
    Cornerstone Defense provides excellent compensation for System Administrators. The company focuses on defense and government sectors. Cornerstone operates in California and Virginia.


  6. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
    Average Salary: $171,023
    This organization offers competitive System Administrator salaries. They work with defense and government agencies. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory operates in Maryland.


  7. Markon
    Average Salary: $168,269
    Markon offers good pay for System Administrators. They work with government and defense sectors. Markon operates in Maryland and Virginia.


  8. Belay Technologies
    Average Salary: $154,342
    Belay Technologies provides good compensation for System Administrators. The company works with government and defense sectors. Belay operates in Virginia.


  9. Draper
    Average Salary: $150,973
    Draper offers competitive System Administrator roles. They work with government and defense sectors. Draper operates in California and Massachusetts.


  10. JASINT Consulting and Technologies, LLC
    Average Salary: $143,658
    JASINT offers rewarding System Administrator positions. They work with defense and government agencies. JASINT operates in Virginia.

How to earn more as a Systems Administrator?

Eager to increase earnings as a Systems Administrator? Focus on several key areas to advance your career and salary. Gain specialized skills to set yourself apart in a competitive field. Look into certifications in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, or networking. These skills make you more valuable to employers.

Another way to earn more is by gaining experience with various technologies and platforms. Show employers that you can handle diverse tasks and systems. Taking on challenging projects can also lead to higher pay. Seek out opportunities that push your limits and expand your knowledge. Networking with professionals in the industry opens doors to new job opportunities and salary negotiations. Attend conferences, join online forums, and connect with peers to grow your professional circle.

Consider these strategies to boost your earnings:

  1. Obtain certifications in sought-after areas.
  2. Expand your skill set to include various technologies.
  3. Take on challenging projects to demonstrate your capabilities.
  4. Network with industry professionals for new opportunities.
  5. Seek roles in high-demand sectors like cloud computing and cybersecurity.

Currently 1,349 Systems Administrator job openings, nationwide.

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How's the job market for a Systems Administrator in the US?

Learn what a Systems Administrator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Systems Administrator today.
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Systems Administrator
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