System Administrator Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average System Administrator salary lies between USD 76,400 and USD 144,500 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 System Administrator roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with System Administrator job listings are Clearance, Windows 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 | 127 jobs Windows | 126 jobs Linux | 123 jobs DoD | 109 jobs Monitoring | 102 jobs TS/SCI | 81 jobs DoDD 8570 | 80 jobs CISSP | 79 jobs Security Clearance | 79 jobs Cloud | 78 jobs VMware | 77 jobs Active Directory | 71 jobs Scripting | 66 jobs Compliance | 58 jobs UNIX | 48 jobs Red Hat | 44 jobs Top Secret | 43 jobs Polygraph | 42 jobs Computer Science | 41 jobs CASP+ | 40 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for System Administrator roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with 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 | 104 jobs Health care | 99 jobs 401(k) matching | 79 jobs Insurance | 78 jobs Medical leave | 57 jobs Flex hours | 56 jobs Competitive pay | 48 jobs Parental leave | 44 jobs Flex vacation | 39 jobs Startup environment | 35 jobs Wellness | 25 jobs Equity / stock options | 23 jobs Team events | 20 jobs Relocation support | 18 jobs Flexible spending account | 17 jobs Salary bonus | 14 jobs Gear | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Signing bonus | 3 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a 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, 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. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can add another 5-10% to the total compensation. 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.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a System Administrator position, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or ethical hacking. Gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can also be beneficial. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Additionally, transitioning to a larger company or a different industry that values cybersecurity expertise, such as finance or healthcare, can lead to a significant salary increase.

Educational Requirements

Most 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 accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity or information systems, can be advantageous and may be required for more senior roles. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technologies and threats are crucial in this rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your credentials. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

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

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with 3-5 years of experience in system administration or a related IT role. Experience with network security, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems is often required. Familiarity with various operating systems, scripting languages, and security protocols is also important. For more advanced positions, experience in a specific industry or with certain technologies may be necessary.

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