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

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Systems Administrator salary lies between USD 86,000 and USD 137,145 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. 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 | 109 jobs DoD | 100 jobs Windows | 92 jobs DoDD 8570 | 87 jobs Linux | 86 jobs Cloud | 72 jobs TS/SCI | 69 jobs Top Secret | 66 jobs Monitoring | 57 jobs CompTIA | 55 jobs Compliance | 47 jobs Red Hat | 45 jobs Computer Science | 44 jobs Security Clearance | 43 jobs VMware | 43 jobs Clearance Required | 40 jobs SQL | 39 jobs Polygraph | 38 jobs Active Directory | 37 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 | 93 jobs Health care | 90 jobs Insurance | 78 jobs Competitive pay | 73 jobs Medical leave | 66 jobs 401(k) matching | 63 jobs Parental leave | 62 jobs Startup environment | 38 jobs Flex hours | 33 jobs Equity / stock options | 25 jobs Flex vacation | 23 jobs Wellness | 16 jobs Salary bonus | 15 jobs Team events | 11 jobs Relocation support | 11 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 the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual performance, and the industry. For instance, tech companies or financial institutions might offer higher bonuses compared to non-profit organizations. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech startups, or comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The composition can also vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher overall compensation compared to other regions due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a Mid-level Systems Administrator position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or ethical hacking. Gaining expertise in high-demand areas like threat intelligence or incident response can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or project management responsibilities can position you for promotions to senior roles. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can also open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Consider exploring roles in larger companies or industries known for higher compensation, such as finance or healthcare.

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, 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 positions. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to keep up with the rapidly evolving field.

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 your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for employers.

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 managing security incidents, conducting vulnerability assessments, and implementing security measures is also crucial. Employers look for candidates who have demonstrated the ability to work independently and as part of a team to secure IT environments.

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