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
$99,130
$8,261/mo
Entry Level
$67,800
starting pay
Senior Level
$143,000
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Network and Computer Systems Administrators (SOC 15-1244) at a national median of $99,130 per year (mean $103,680), or $47.66 per hour, with 314,340 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
314K
5-Year Growth
+11%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$47.66/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,261
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
$117,000
$9,750/month · $4,500/biweekly · $56.25/hr
Systems Administrator Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Systems Administrator field.
Entry-level Systems Administrators earn around $67,800, while the top 10% earn $163,100 or more.
Top Paying States for Systems Administrators
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $117,000 | +$17,870 |
| New York | $114,000 | +$14,870 |
| Virginia | $105,000 | +$5,870 |
| Texas | $97,000 | $-2,130 |
| Florida | $97,000 | $-2,130 |
Top Paying Cities for Systems Administrators
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $124,000 | +$24,870 |
| New York | $117,000 | +$17,870 |
| Washington DC | $114,000 | +$14,870 |
| Dallas | $99,000 | $-130 |
| Atlanta | $97,000 | $-2,130 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Systems Administrator Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Systems Administrator.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Systems Administrator Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Systems Administrator from entry level to expert.
$67,800
0-2 years
$105,000
3-7 years
$143,000
8-14 years
$183,200
15+ years
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Systems Administrator Salary FAQ
How much does a Systems Administrator make in 2026?
The median salary for a Systems Administrator in the United States is $99,130 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Network and Computer Systems Administrators (SOC 15-1244); the mean is $103,680. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $67,800, senior professionals around $143,000, and top earners at $183,200 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Systems Administrator?
A Systems Administrator typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory. Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft MCSA can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Systems Administrators?
The job market for Systems Administrators is projected to grow by 3% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 314K Systems Administrator positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 11%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Systems Administrators the most?
The highest-paying states for Systems Administrators include Texas, California, Virginia. In Texas, the median salary is approximately $97,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Systems Administrator salary?
To increase your Systems Administrator salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Linux and Windows Server. Pursue certifications such as CompTIA Server+. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Dallas. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $67,800 to $143,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Systems Administrator Salary
How we calculate Systems Administrator salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Network and Computer Systems Administrators (SOC 15-1244), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $99,130, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Network and Computer Systems Administrators; BLS mean $103,680; BLS hourly median $47.66.
- Entry-level ($67,800) and senior-level ($143,000) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +3% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 314,340 Network and Computer Systems Administrators jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 11% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Technology sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $99,130; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Systems Administrator compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Systems Administrator job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Technology
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Systems Administrator salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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