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How much does a Systems Administrator make?

The average salary for a Systems Administrator is $97,348 per year in the US.

A Systems Administrator plays a key role in keeping computer systems running smoothly. They manage servers, networks, and databases. This job is in demand, and the pay reflects the skill and responsibility needed. The average yearly salary for a Systems Administrator is $97,348. This means that, on average, someone in this role can expect to earn nearly $100,000 each year.

The salary for Systems Administrators can vary based on experience and location. Entry-level positions may start around $51,680. With more experience, salaries can rise significantly. At the top of the pay scale, experienced Systems Administrators can earn over $175,000 a year. This wide range shows that there is good potential for growth in this career. Companies value skilled Systems Administrators, and this is reflected in their pay.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Systems Administrator?

Systems Administrators can find some of the best pay in Manchester, NH, where the average salary is $125,194. This city offers a strong market for tech professionals. San Jose, CA, and Washington, DC, follow closely with average salaries of $115,403 and $114,028, respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Systems Administrator jobs, highlighting Manchester, NH with the highest at $125,194 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $102,175.
  1. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $125,194
    In Manchester, NH, IT professionals enjoy a blend of urban and suburban living. Companies like BAE Systems and BAE Systems Technologies offer opportunities to work with cutting-edge systems. The city's growing tech scene provides a dynamic environment for career growth.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Manchester, NH


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $115,403
    San Jose, CA, is at the heart of Silicon Valley, offering a vibrant tech environment. Working with tech giants like Apple and Cisco, professionals here manage complex systems. The city's innovative spirit makes it an exciting place for IT careers.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $114,028
    In Washington, DC, IT professionals work in a politically charged environment. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin provide opportunities to manage critical systems. The city's diverse job market offers a range of career paths.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Washington, DC


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $112,977
    San Francisco, CA, is a tech hub with companies like Google and Salesforce. Professionals here manage advanced systems in a fast-paced environment. The city's innovative culture makes it a great place for IT careers.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $111,368
    Seattle, WA, offers a mix of tech and natural beauty. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft provide opportunities to work with cutting-edge systems. The city's tech-friendly environment supports career growth.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $107,663
    In Colorado Springs, CO, IT professionals work in a city known for its military and tech sectors. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman offer opportunities to manage critical systems. The city's growing tech scene provides a dynamic environment for career growth.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  7. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $106,043
    Baltimore, MD, offers a mix of urban and suburban living. Companies like IBM and Lockheed Martin provide opportunities to work with advanced systems. The city's diverse job market offers a range of career paths.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Baltimore, MD


  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $105,625
    San Diego, CA, is a tech hub with companies like Qualcomm and General Atomics. Professionals here manage advanced systems in a fast-paced environment. The city's innovative culture makes it a great place for IT careers.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $104,524
    Boulder, CO, offers a mix of outdoor activities and tech opportunities. Companies like Google and Lockheed Martin provide opportunities to work with cutting-edge systems. The city's growing tech scene offers a dynamic environment for career growth.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Boulder, CO


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $102,175
    Los Angeles, CA, is a tech hub with companies like Amazon and Google. Professionals here manage advanced systems in a fast-paced environment. The city's diverse job market offers a range of career paths.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Los Angeles, CA

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

Inferno Systems, Inc. offers the highest average salary for Systems Administrators at $238,462. Praxis Engineering follows closely with an average salary of $210,233. Captivation Software also provides a competitive salary of $200,000 for this role. These companies recognize the value of skilled Systems Administrators and reward them with attractive compensation packages. Job seekers can find rewarding opportunities with these top-paying employers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Systems Administrator jobs, highlighting Inferno Systems, Inc. with the highest at $238,462 and Gridiron IT with the lowest at $131,136.
  1. Inferno Systems, Inc.
    Average Salary: $238,462
    Inferno Systems, Inc. offers Systems Administrator jobs with a focus on cybersecurity and IT infrastructure. They operate in various locations, including Washington, D.C., and New York City.


  2. Praxis Engineering
    Average Salary: $210,233
    Praxis Engineering provides Systems Administrator roles with a strong emphasis on engineering and technology. They have offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and San Francisco, California.


  3. Captivation Software
    Average Salary: $200,000
    Captivation Software offers Systems Administrator jobs with a focus on software development and IT services. They operate in locations such as Austin, Texas, and Seattle, Washington.


  4. DCI Solutions
    Average Salary: $193,571
    DCI Solutions provides Systems Administrator roles with a focus on IT consulting and infrastructure. They have offices in Chicago, Illinois, and Denver, Colorado.


  5. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
    Average Salary: $154,219
    Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory offers Systems Administrator jobs with a focus on research and development. They operate in locations such as Laurel, Maryland, and Baltimore, Maryland.


  6. PayPal
    Average Salary: $136,683
    PayPal offers Systems Administrator roles with a focus on financial technology and online payments. They have offices in San Jose, California, and San Francisco, California.


  7. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $136,561
    BAE Systems USA provides Systems Administrator jobs with a focus on defense and aerospace technology. They operate in locations such as Arlington, Virginia, and San Diego, California.


  8. Parsons
    Average Salary: $134,033
    Parsons offers Systems Administrator roles with a focus on infrastructure and technology services. They have offices in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, California.


  9. Piper Companies
    Average Salary: $133,696
    Piper Companies provides Systems Administrator jobs with a focus on financial services and technology. They operate in locations such as Chicago, Illinois, and New York City, New York.


  10. Gridiron IT
    Average Salary: $131,136
    Gridiron IT offers Systems Administrator roles with a focus on IT consulting and infrastructure. They have offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Austin, Texas.

How to earn more as a Systems Administrator?

A Systems Administrator can increase their earning potential by focusing on several key areas. Gaining specialized certifications can open doors to higher-paying positions. Certifications from recognized organizations like CompTIA, Microsoft, or Cisco are highly valued. These certifications demonstrate a deep understanding of systems and technologies, making the candidate more attractive to employers.

Experience plays a crucial role in salary negotiations. Working in various environments and managing different systems can lead to a broader skill set. This experience can make a Systems Administrator more versatile and valuable to potential employers. Networking with other professionals in the field can also lead to job opportunities that offer higher salaries. Attending industry conferences, joining professional groups, and participating in online forums can help build a strong professional network.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Systems Administrator:

  1. Certifications: Obtain recognized certifications to enhance skills and knowledge.
  2. Experience: Work in diverse environments to build a versatile skill set.
  3. Networking: Connect with other professionals to discover new job opportunities.
  4. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends.
  5. Specialization: Focus on specific areas like cloud computing or cybersecurity to become an expert.

Currently 759 Systems Administrator job openings, nationwide.

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.
Position
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Systems Administrator
759 Job Openings