Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Systems Administrator during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Systems Administrator salary lies between USD 85,000 and USD 137,000 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. 15, 2024

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Systems Administrator job listings are Clearance, DoD 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 | 107 jobs DoD | 98 jobs Windows | 91 jobs DoDD 8570 | 85 jobs Linux | 84 jobs Cloud | 70 jobs TS/SCI | 67 jobs Top Secret | 64 jobs Monitoring | 56 jobs CompTIA | 55 jobs Compliance | 47 jobs Red Hat | 44 jobs Security Clearance | 43 jobs VMware | 43 jobs Computer Science | 43 jobs Clearance Required | 39 jobs SQL | 38 jobs Polygraph | 37 jobs Active Directory | 36 jobs PowerShell | 36 jobs

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

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

Career development | 91 jobs Health care | 88 jobs Insurance | 76 jobs Competitive pay | 71 jobs Medical leave | 64 jobs 401(k) matching | 61 jobs Parental leave | 60 jobs Startup environment | 37 jobs Flex hours | 32 jobs Equity / stock options | 24 jobs Flex vacation | 23 jobs Wellness | 16 jobs Salary bonus | 15 jobs Team events | 11 jobs Relocation support | 10 jobs Fertility benefits | 4 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Signing bonus | 2 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs Gear | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Mid-level/Intermediate Systems 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 largest component, often accounting for 70-85% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 5-20% of the base salary. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, additional remuneration might include stock options or equity, which can be a significant part of the compensation package, especially in startups. In contrast, larger corporations might offer more stable bonuses and comprehensive benefits packages.

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 AI-driven security solutions. Gaining expertise in these areas can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or project management responsibilities can position you for promotions. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Finally, consider relocating to regions with higher demand for cybersecurity professionals, as this can significantly impact salary potential.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level systems 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. A master's degree in cybersecurity or a related discipline can be advantageous and may be preferred by some employers, especially for roles with a focus on strategic planning or management.

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)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• 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 systems 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 incident response, threat analysis, and vulnerability assessment is also highly valued. Employers often look for candidates who have demonstrated the ability to manage security projects and work collaboratively with IT teams.

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