Salary for Senior-level / Expert System Administrator in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert System Administrator salary lies between USD 100,000 and USD 179,431 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 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 | 57 jobs Windows | 55 jobs Monitoring | 49 jobs Clearance | 46 jobs DoD | 42 jobs DoDD 8570 | 37 jobs TS/SCI | 36 jobs CISSP | 35 jobs Cloud | 32 jobs Security Clearance | 30 jobs VMware | 30 jobs UNIX | 28 jobs Active Directory | 25 jobs Scripting | 25 jobs Compliance | 24 jobs CompTIA | 21 jobs Red Hat | 20 jobs ITIL | 19 jobs Polygraph | 18 jobs Top Secret | 17 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 | 44 jobs Health care | 41 jobs 401(k) matching | 37 jobs Insurance | 34 jobs Flex hours | 27 jobs Medical leave | 27 jobs Parental leave | 26 jobs Competitive pay | 19 jobs Flex vacation | 18 jobs Wellness | 16 jobs Startup environment | 15 jobs Flexible spending account | 9 jobs Equity / stock options | 8 jobs Relocation support | 6 jobs Team events | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs Gear | 3 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Signing bonus | 1 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level/Expert 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 largest component and varies significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often offer higher base salaries compared to other regions due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. Bonuses are usually performance-based and can be influenced by individual, team, or company performance metrics. Additional remuneration might include benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and sometimes equity in the company, especially in startups or tech companies.

Increasing Salary Potential

To increase your salary from a Senior-level position, consider pursuing roles with greater responsibility, such as a managerial or director-level position in cybersecurity. Specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or security architecture can also command higher salaries. Additionally, gaining expertise in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence or blockchain security can set you apart. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and contributing to open-source projects can also enhance your visibility and lead to higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-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 prefer or require a master's degree, especially for roles with a focus on research or advanced technical skills. Continuous education through workshops, seminars, and online courses is also beneficial to keep up with the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

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)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

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 Senior-level System Administrator in InfoSec/Cyber Security is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles. This experience should include hands-on work with network security, system administration, and possibly some leadership or project management responsibilities. Experience with specific technologies or platforms relevant to the employer's infrastructure can also be a significant advantage.

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