Salary for Senior-level / Expert System Administrator during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert System Administrator salary lies between USD 96,000 and USD 172,000 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. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert System Administrator roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert System Administrator job listings are Linux, Windows and Monitoring. 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:

Linux | 59 jobs Windows | 57 jobs Monitoring | 50 jobs Clearance | 48 jobs DoD | 44 jobs DoDD 8570 | 38 jobs TS/SCI | 38 jobs CISSP | 37 jobs Cloud | 33 jobs VMware | 31 jobs Security Clearance | 30 jobs UNIX | 28 jobs Active Directory | 26 jobs Scripting | 26 jobs Compliance | 24 jobs CompTIA | 21 jobs Red Hat | 21 jobs ITIL | 19 jobs Polygraph | 19 jobs CASP+ | 18 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert System Administrator roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert System Administrator job listings are Career development, Health care 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 | 46 jobs Health care | 43 jobs 401(k) matching | 38 jobs Insurance | 35 jobs Medical leave | 29 jobs Parental leave | 27 jobs Flex hours | 27 jobs Competitive pay | 20 jobs Flex vacation | 18 jobs Wellness | 16 jobs Startup environment | 16 jobs Flexible spending account | 9 jobs Equity / stock options | 8 jobs Relocation support | 6 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs Team events | 5 jobs Gear | 3 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Signing bonus | 2 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary composition for a Senior-level/Expert System Administrator in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically includes a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, especially in regions with a high cost of living or in industries like finance and technology. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on company performance and individual achievements, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and sometimes equity in the company, which is more common in startups or large tech firms. Regional differences can also play a role, with higher salaries often found in urban centers with a high demand for cybersecurity expertise.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or artificial intelligence security. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can also open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, gaining experience in leadership or project management can position you for roles with greater responsibility and compensation. Exploring opportunities in high-demand sectors like finance, healthcare, or government can also lead to higher salaries, as these industries often have more stringent security requirements and larger budgets.

Educational Requirements

Most senior-level positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for roles that involve strategic planning or management. Continuous education is also important, as the field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving. Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies through workshops, online courses, and seminars can be beneficial.

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 Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). For those focusing on system administration, certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) can also be advantageous. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise.

Required Experience

Typically, a senior-level system administrator in cybersecurity is expected to have at least 5 to 10 years of relevant experience. This experience should include a strong background in system administration, network management, and cybersecurity practices. Experience with specific technologies or platforms, such as Linux, Windows Server, or cloud services, is often required. Leadership experience or a history of managing complex projects can also be beneficial, as these roles often involve overseeing teams or large-scale security initiatives.

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