The average salary for a Systems Administrator in the US is $92,000 per year.
Systems Administrators manage and maintain an organization’s servers, networks, and IT infrastructure. In the US, this role is essential across healthcare, finance, education, government, and enterprise companies. Salaries vary based on technical depth, cloud exposure, and infrastructure responsibility. Professionals who can ensure system uptime, security, and scalability often earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Systems Administrator (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $92,000 |
| Median Salary | $88,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $65,000 |
| Highest Salary | $140,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Systems Administrator
Gender pay differences for Systems Administrators in the US are influenced by years of experience, certifications, and organization size.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $95,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Female | $89,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $92,000 | ▲ +0% |
Pay differences often decrease at senior levels where compensation is tied to technical expertise and infrastructure reliability.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Systems Administrators in the US typically earn around $65,000 per year. These roles focus on maintaining servers, troubleshooting issues, and supporting internal IT teams. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience. Developing strong networking and operating system knowledge is key for advancement.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Systems Administrators usually earn between $80,000 and $110,000 per year. At this stage, professionals manage infrastructure upgrades, handle system security, and support cloud integrations. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience. Certifications and automation skills often lead to salary growth.
Senior Level
Senior Systems Administrators earn $125,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $140,000 in large US organizations. These professionals design infrastructure strategies, oversee migrations, and lead technical teams. Compensation reflects responsibility for maintaining business-critical systems.
Certifications for Systems Administrator
- Microsoft Certified: Windows Server
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Server management
- Network administration
- Cloud infrastructure
- Security configuration
- Virtualization technologies
- Troubleshooting and automation
Best-paying cities for Systems Administrator in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($92,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $109,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $101,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $98,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $95,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $88,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $84,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $83,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $93,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $86,000 | ▼ −7% |
How RoboApply Helps Professionals Get High-Paying Jobs
Finding a high-paying role isn’t just about skills — it’s also about applying consistently, at scale, and to the right opportunities. RoboApply helps professionals simplify and speed up the job search process so they can focus on interviews and salary negotiation instead of manual applications.
Apply to Jobs Across Multiple Platforms
RoboApply brings job listings from multiple platforms into one place. This includes roles from major job boards and company career pages, helping you discover opportunities you might otherwise miss, including high-paying and remote positions.
This broad coverage increases your chances of finding roles that match both your experience level and salary expectations.
Save Time with Auto-Apply
Manually applying to jobs is time-consuming and repetitive. RoboApply’s auto-apply feature allows users to apply to many relevant jobs efficiently, helping maintain consistent application activity, which is often necessary in competitive, high-salary job markets.
Improve Resume Relevance with AI Support
Different employers look for different skill combinations. RoboApply helps tailor resumes to better match job descriptions, improving relevance and increasing the likelihood of getting interview callbacks for well-paid roles.
Prepare Better for Interviews
RoboApply also supports interview preparation by helping candidates understand common role-specific questions and expectations. Better preparation leads to stronger interviews and more confidence during compensation discussions.
Track and Optimize Your Job Search
Users can track where they’ve applied and monitor responses over time. This makes it easier to identify which types of roles or platforms generate the best results and adjust the job search strategy accordingly.
Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use location- and experience-based salary data to define a reasonable target range instead of relying on a single national average. - Show measurable impact
Employers pay more when candidates can demonstrate how their infrastructure management improved uptime and reduced system failures. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, equity, learning budgets, remote flexibility, and time off, all of which can add meaningful value. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles at once creates leverage and helps candidates avoid accepting the first offer below their expectations.
Future Outlook for Systems Administrator Compensation
Demand for Systems Administrators remains steady as organizations rely on secure and reliable IT infrastructure. Professionals with cloud expertise and automation skills are expected to see stronger salary growth as hybrid and cloud-based systems continue to expand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $90,000 a good salary for a Systems Administrator?
Yes, $90,000 is competitive for mid-level roles depending on location and certifications.
Can Systems Administrators earn over $120,000?
Yes, senior-level professionals and those with cloud specialization can exceed $120,000 annually.
Do certifications increase Systems Administrator salary?
Yes, certifications in networking, security, and cloud platforms significantly improve earning potential.
Are remote Systems Administrator roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote and hybrid infrastructure roles.
Which industries pay Systems Administrators the most?
Technology, finance, healthcare, and enterprise companies typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Systems Administrator?
It usually takes 5–8 years of experience in IT infrastructure roles.
Is Systems Administration a stable career in the US?
Yes, organizations will always require reliable IT infrastructure management, ensuring steady demand.
