Systems Administrator Salary in 2026
Systems administrators manage and maintain IT infrastructure including servers, networks, and operating systems. They ensure system uptime, security patches, and user support.
Median Salary
$79,000
$6,583/mo
Entry Level
$54,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$114,000
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
Systems Administrator Overview
Systems administrators manage and maintain IT infrastructure including servers, networks, and operating systems. They ensure system uptime, security patches, and user support.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
380K
5-Year Growth
+11%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$37.98/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,583
Systems Administrator Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Systems Administrator salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Systems Administrator Salary
$94,000
$7,833/month · $3,615/biweekly · $45.19/hr
Systems Administrator Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Systems Administrator field.
Entry-level Systems Administrators earn around $54,000, while the top 10% earn $130,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Systems Administrators
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $93,000 | +$14,000 |
| New York | $91,000 | +$12,000 |
| Virginia | $84,000 | +$5,000 |
| Texas | $77,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $77,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Systems Administrators
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $99,000 | +$20,000 |
| New York | $93,000 | +$14,000 |
| Washington DC | $91,000 | +$12,000 |
| Dallas | $79,000 | $0 |
| Atlanta | $77,000 | $-2,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Systems Administrator Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Systems Administrator from entry level to expert.
$54,000
0-2 years
$84,000
3-7 years
$114,000
8-14 years
$146,000
15+ years
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Systems Administrator Salary FAQ
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