Salary for Entry-level / Junior Systems Administrator in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Systems Administrator salary lies between USD 61,844 and USD 104,000 in the United States. 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.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). 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/Junior Systems Administrator in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically consists of a base salary, with potential bonuses and additional remuneration. The base salary is the fixed amount and usually forms the bulk of the compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance, individual performance, and specific industry practices. In larger companies or those in high-demand regions like Silicon Valley or New York City, bonuses might be more substantial. Additional remuneration could include stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives, which are more common in tech companies or startups. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off also contribute to the overall compensation package.

Career Advancement

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider gaining more experience and expertise in specialized areas of cybersecurity. Pursuing advanced certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), can make you more attractive for higher-paying roles. Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can also provide opportunities for advancement. Additionally, consider transitioning into roles with more responsibility, such as a Systems Security Analyst or a Security Engineer, which typically offer higher salaries.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cyber Security. Some employers may accept an associate degree combined with relevant experience or certifications. A strong educational background provides a foundation in the technical skills and knowledge necessary for the role.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often highly regarded by employers. Some common and beneficial certifications for a Junior Systems Administrator in cybersecurity include:

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate

These certifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and your proficiency in essential cybersecurity skills.

Experience Requirements

For an entry-level position, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level IT roles. Experience with network administration, system administration, or technical support can be particularly valuable. Demonstrating hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, even through personal projects or labs, can also be beneficial.

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