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Salary

How much does a Systems Administrator make?

The average salary for a Systems Administrator is $97,445 per year in the US.

A Systems Administrator plays a key role in managing and maintaining computer systems. This role is crucial for ensuring that businesses run smoothly. The average yearly salary for a Systems Administrator is around $97,445. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.

The salary range for Systems Administrators can be quite broad. At the lower end, the first 10% of earners make about $50,000 per year. The middle 20% of earners make between $61,364 and $95,455 annually. The top 10% of earners can make over $152,000 per year. These figures show that there is a lot of potential for growth in this career.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Systems Administrator?

Systems Administrators can find some of the best pay in San Jose, California, where the average salary reaches $116,050. Washington, DC, and San Francisco, California, also offer high salaries, with averages of $111,214 and $110,777, respectively. Seattle, Washington, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, provide competitive salaries, making them attractive locations for job seekers in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Systems Administrator jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $116,050 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $102,409.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $116,050
    In San Jose, tech giants like Cisco and Intel offer exciting roles. The city's vibrant tech scene provides many opportunities for growth and learning. The average salary for a Systems Administrator here is competitive.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $111,214
    Working in Washington, DC, means being close to federal agencies and tech startups. The city offers a mix of government and private sector roles. The average salary for Systems Administrators is attractive here.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Washington, DC


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $110,777
    San Francisco is home to major tech companies like Apple and Salesforce. The city's dynamic tech environment offers many chances for innovation. Systems Administrators here enjoy a high average salary.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $109,145
    Seattle's tech scene is booming with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The city offers a mix of urban and natural settings. The average salary for Systems Administrators is quite good here.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $106,011
    Colorado Springs has a strong tech sector with companies like Lockheed Martin. The city offers a good quality of life with a lower cost of living. The average salary for Systems Administrators is competitive.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  6. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $104,683
    Boulder offers a mix of tech startups and a strong academic presence. The city's outdoor lifestyle is a big draw. The average salary for Systems Administrators is attractive here.
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  7. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $104,054
    Baltimore has a growing tech sector with companies like Under Armour. The city offers a mix of urban and historic charm. The average salary for Systems Administrators is reasonable.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Baltimore, MD


  8. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $103,948
    Manchester has a mix of tech companies and a lower cost of living. The city offers a friendly community and good schools. The average salary for Systems Administrators is competitive.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Manchester, NH


  9. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $103,046
    Salem offers a mix of tech startups and a strong community feel. The city's natural beauty is a big draw. The average salary for Systems Administrators is attractive here.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Salem, OR


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $102,409
    Los Angeles has a diverse tech scene with companies like Google and Amazon. The city offers a vibrant lifestyle and many opportunities. The average salary for Systems Administrators is competitive.
    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 $235,577. Praxis Engineering follows closely with an average salary of $200,715. DCI Solutions provides the third-highest average salary at $197,105. Other top companies include Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Penske Truck Leasing, and Peterson Technologies. These companies offer competitive salaries ranging from $155,167 to $142,864. PayPal, Gridiron IT, BAE Systems USA, and Piper Companies also provide attractive compensation for Systems Administrators.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Systems Administrator jobs, highlighting Inferno Systems, Inc. with the highest at $235,577 and Piper Companies with the lowest at $129,893.
  1. Inferno Systems, Inc.
    Average Salary: $235,577
    Inferno Systems, Inc. offers exciting opportunities for Systems Administrators. They focus on providing IT solutions and services. The company operates in various locations, including the United States and Canada.


  2. Praxis Engineering
    Average Salary: $200,715
    Praxis Engineering is known for its innovative approach to IT. They offer Systems Administrator roles with a focus on infrastructure and support. The company operates in multiple locations across the United States.


  3. DCI Solutions
    Average Salary: $197,105
    DCI Solutions provides IT consulting and services. They offer Systems Administrator positions with a focus on network and system management. Their operations span across the United States.


  4. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
    Average Salary: $155,167
    The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory offers Systems Administrator roles with a focus on research and development. They operate in various locations, including Maryland and California.


  5. Penske Truck Leasing
    Average Salary: $152,396
    Penske Truck Leasing provides Systems Administrator positions with a focus on fleet management. They operate in multiple locations across the United States.


  6. Peterson Technologies
    Average Salary: $142,864
    Peterson Technologies offers Systems Administrator roles with a focus on IT infrastructure. They operate in various locations across the United States.


  7. PayPal
    Average Salary: $136,683
    PayPal offers Systems Administrator positions with a focus on financial technology. They operate in multiple locations worldwide, including the United States and Europe.


  8. Gridiron IT
    Average Salary: $135,179
    Gridiron IT provides Systems Administrator roles with a focus on IT services. They operate in various locations across the United States.


  9. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $134,651
    BAE Systems USA offers Systems Administrator positions with a focus on defense and security. They operate in multiple locations across the United States.


  10. Piper Companies
    Average Salary: $129,893
    Piper Companies provides Systems Administrator roles with a focus on financial services. They operate in various locations across the United States.

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 validate skills and knowledge. These credentials make a candidate more attractive to employers.

Experience plays a crucial role in salary negotiations. Working in various environments and managing different systems enhances a Systems Administrator's skill set. Each new challenge faced and overcome adds value to their resume. Employers often reward experience with higher pay. Networking with other professionals in the industry can lead to job opportunities that offer better compensation. Attending conferences, joining professional groups, and participating in online forums can expand one's professional circle. Building a strong network can lead to better-paying positions and career advancement.

Here are some factors to consider for increasing earnings:

  1. Obtain specialized certifications.
  2. Gain experience in various environments.
  3. Network with other professionals.
  4. Stay updated with the latest technology trends.
  5. Consider pursuing a management role.

Currently 758 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
758 Job Openings