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

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Systems Administrator salary lies between USD 97,575 and USD 163,000 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 Senior-level / Expert Systems Administrator roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Systems Administrator job listings are Clearance, DoD and Linux. 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 | 145 jobs DoD | 123 jobs Linux | 115 jobs DoDD 8570 | 103 jobs Cloud | 103 jobs Windows | 92 jobs TS/SCI | 83 jobs Compliance | 81 jobs Scripting | 75 jobs Security Clearance | 72 jobs CISSP | 68 jobs Monitoring | 68 jobs VMware | 67 jobs Computer Science | 62 jobs Top Secret | 60 jobs Red Hat | 52 jobs Active Directory | 50 jobs Automation | 46 jobs AWS | 44 jobs Ansible | 42 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Systems 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 | 111 jobs Career development | 106 jobs Insurance | 91 jobs 401(k) matching | 80 jobs Competitive pay | 77 jobs Medical leave | 68 jobs Parental leave | 65 jobs Startup environment | 53 jobs Flex hours | 47 jobs Flex vacation | 39 jobs Wellness | 35 jobs Team events | 35 jobs Salary bonus | 29 jobs Equity / stock options | 21 jobs Relocation support | 16 jobs Gear | 13 jobs Home office stipend | 8 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Signing bonus | 4 jobs Fertility benefits | 4 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level/Expert Systems Administrator in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically includes 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. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's success and individual performance, often ranging from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and can be a significant part of the compensation in larger firms or those in high-growth industries.

Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Industry-wise, sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology often offer higher compensation due to the critical nature of cybersecurity in these fields. Company size can also influence salary composition, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive benefits and bonuses.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 120,750, consider pursuing leadership roles such as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Director of Cybersecurity. These positions not only offer higher salaries but also come with greater responsibilities and influence within an organization. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can make you more valuable and open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.

Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can also lead to better job offers. Attending conferences, participating in webinars, and joining professional organizations can help you build connections and learn about new opportunities. Lastly, negotiating your salary based on your skills, experience, and market demand is crucial when transitioning to a new role or company.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Systems Administrator 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 with a strategic focus or those in larger organizations. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex security issues and demonstrate a commitment to the field.

In addition to formal education, practical experience and a strong understanding of systems administration, network security, and cybersecurity principles are essential. Employers often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some of the most recognized certifications for a Senior-level/Expert Systems Administrator include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional

These certifications validate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for senior roles.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Systems Administrator in InfoSec/Cyber Security is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity. This experience should include hands-on work with systems administration, network security, and incident response. Experience in managing teams or projects can also be beneficial, as it demonstrates leadership and the ability to handle complex security challenges.

Employers often look for candidates who have a proven track record of implementing security measures, managing security incidents, and improving an organization's overall security posture.

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