Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate System Administrator in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate System Administrator salary lies between USD 75,000 and USD 126,500 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 Mid-level / Intermediate System Administrator roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate System Administrator job listings are Clearance, Windows and DoD. 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 | 47 jobs Windows | 41 jobs DoD | 41 jobs Linux | 40 jobs Cloud | 36 jobs Active Directory | 31 jobs Monitoring | 30 jobs Security Clearance | 29 jobs DoDD 8570 | 28 jobs VMware | 26 jobs TS/SCI | 25 jobs Scripting | 24 jobs Firewalls | 23 jobs CISSP | 23 jobs Compliance | 23 jobs STIGs | 21 jobs Computer Science | 18 jobs PowerShell | 17 jobs CompTIA | 14 jobs RMF | 14 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 Insurance. 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 | 37 jobs Career development | 34 jobs Insurance | 29 jobs 401(k) matching | 28 jobs Competitive pay | 22 jobs Medical leave | 22 jobs Flex hours | 16 jobs Parental leave | 14 jobs Startup environment | 12 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Team events | 10 jobs Relocation support | 10 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Salary bonus | 3 jobs Flexible spending account | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Conferences | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

In the field of InfoSec/Cyber Security, the salary for a Mid-level/Intermediate System Administrator typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and sometimes stock options, especially in larger tech companies or startups.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries to account for the higher cost of living. Industry also plays a role; financial services and healthcare sectors often offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of data security in these fields. Company size can influence the package as well, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive benefits and bonuses.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Mid-level System Administrator position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills with the latest technologies and security practices. Specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security or ethical hacking can make you more valuable.

• Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications can significantly boost your earning potential. Certifications like CISSP or CISM are highly regarded and can lead to higher-paying roles.

• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences. Building relationships with peers and leaders in the field can open up new opportunities.

• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field can provide a competitive edge and qualify you for higher-level positions.

• Leadership Roles: Aim for roles with more responsibility, such as a team lead or manager, which typically come with higher pay.

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 a formal degree, especially if accompanied by relevant certifications. A strong foundation in networking, operating systems, and security principles is essential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are crucial in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most beneficial certifications for a Mid-level System Administrator include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Recognized globally, it demonstrates a deep understanding of cybersecurity.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on managing and governing information security programs.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Provides skills in identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities.

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 incident response. Familiarity with security tools and technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols, is also important.

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