Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate System Administrator during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate System Administrator salary lies between USD 75,000 and USD 123,300 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Mid-level / Intermediate System Administrator roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate System Administrator job listings are Clearance, Linux and Windows. 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 | 41 jobs Linux | 36 jobs Windows | 36 jobs DoD | 36 jobs Cloud | 34 jobs Active Directory | 27 jobs Monitoring | 27 jobs Security Clearance | 26 jobs VMware | 25 jobs DoDD 8570 | 24 jobs TS/SCI | 23 jobs Firewalls | 21 jobs Scripting | 21 jobs CISSP | 19 jobs Compliance | 19 jobs STIGs | 19 jobs Computer Science | 16 jobs PowerShell | 15 jobs CompTIA | 14 jobs Automation | 12 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Mid-level / Intermediate System Administrator roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate System Administrator job listings are Health care, Career development 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:

Health care | 34 jobs Career development | 32 jobs 401(k) matching | 27 jobs Insurance | 27 jobs Medical leave | 21 jobs Competitive pay | 19 jobs Flex hours | 14 jobs Parental leave | 13 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Startup environment | 11 jobs Team events | 9 jobs Flex vacation | 8 jobs Relocation support | 8 jobs Wellness | 3 jobs Salary bonus | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Mid-level/Intermediate System Administrator in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is the most significant component, often accounting for 70-85% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary widely depending on the company’s performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 5-15% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, is more common in larger companies or tech-centric industries and can make up 5-10% of the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or threat intelligence. Gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can also be beneficial, as these skills are highly valued and can lead to higher-paying positions. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences or workshops can open up opportunities for advancement. Additionally, exploring roles in larger organizations or industries with higher budgets for cybersecurity, such as finance or healthcare, can lead to increased salary prospects.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level system administrator roles in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education, but a degree is often preferred. Advanced degrees, such as a master’s in cybersecurity or information systems, can be advantageous and may be required for more senior roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Common and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise, which can be crucial for career advancement.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level system administrator in InfoSec/Cyber Security is expected to have 3-5 years of relevant experience. This experience should include hands-on work with network security, system administration, and familiarity with security protocols and tools. Experience in troubleshooting and resolving security incidents, as well as implementing security measures, is also essential. Employers often look for candidates who have demonstrated the ability to work independently and as part of a team to manage and secure IT infrastructure.

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