Salary for Entry-level / Junior Systems Administrator during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Systems Administrator salary lies between USD 61,844 and USD 104,000 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Entry-level / Junior Systems Administrator roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Systems Administrator job listings are Clearance, DoD and DoDD 8570. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Clearance | 13 jobs DoD | 12 jobs DoDD 8570 | 11 jobs TS/SCI | 11 jobs Windows | 10 jobs Monitoring | 9 jobs Linux | 8 jobs Cloud | 8 jobs Top Secret | 7 jobs CompTIA | 7 jobs UNIX | 6 jobs VMware | 6 jobs Active Directory | 5 jobs CISSP | 5 jobs Polygraph | 5 jobs Security Clearance | 5 jobs Compliance | 5 jobs SSCP | 4 jobs Clearance Required | 4 jobs GSEC | 4 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Entry-level / Junior Systems Administrator roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Systems Administrator job listings are Career development, Competitive pay and 401(k) matching. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 9 jobs Competitive pay | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Health care | 6 jobs Insurance | 6 jobs Parental leave | 5 jobs Medical leave | 5 jobs Flex hours | 4 jobs Startup environment | 3 jobs Equity / stock options | 2 jobs Flex vacation | 2 jobs Team events | 2 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs Wellness | 1 jobs Flexible spending account | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior systems administrator in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically consists of a base salary, which is the fixed amount, and may include bonuses and additional remuneration. The base salary is often the largest component and is influenced by factors such as geographic location, industry, and company size. For instance, positions in major tech hubs like San Francisco or New York may offer higher base salaries compared to smaller cities due to the higher cost of living and demand for talent. Bonuses can vary significantly and are often tied to company performance, individual performance, or both. Additional remuneration might include stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives, which are more common in larger companies or startups.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider gaining additional certifications, pursuing further education, or specializing in a niche area of cybersecurity. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can also provide opportunities for advancement. Transitioning to roles with more responsibility, such as a senior systems administrator or a security analyst, can lead to higher pay. Additionally, gaining experience in high-demand areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable to employers.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level systems administrator positions in cybersecurity require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may accept an associate degree combined with relevant experience or certifications. A strong foundation in networking, operating systems, and security principles is essential. As the field is highly technical, coursework in programming, database management, and systems architecture can be beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often sought after by employers. Common certifications for entry-level positions include:

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - Associate level
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate

These certifications demonstrate a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices and can set you apart from other candidates.

Required Experience

While entry-level positions are designed for those with limited professional experience, having some practical experience can be advantageous. Internships, co-op programs, or part-time roles in IT support or network administration can provide valuable hands-on experience. Employers often look for candidates who have experience with specific tools and technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems.

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