System Administrator Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average System Administrator salary lies between USD 77,000 and USD 150,700 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 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 | 125 jobs Windows | 124 jobs Linux | 121 jobs DoD | 107 jobs Monitoring | 101 jobs DoDD 8570 | 79 jobs TS/SCI | 79 jobs Security Clearance | 79 jobs CISSP | 77 jobs Cloud | 77 jobs VMware | 76 jobs Active Directory | 70 jobs Scripting | 65 jobs Compliance | 58 jobs UNIX | 48 jobs Red Hat | 43 jobs Top Secret | 42 jobs Polygraph | 41 jobs Computer Science | 41 jobs CompTIA | 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 | 102 jobs Health care | 97 jobs 401(k) matching | 78 jobs Insurance | 77 jobs Flex hours | 56 jobs Medical leave | 55 jobs Competitive pay | 47 jobs Parental leave | 43 jobs Flex vacation | 39 jobs Startup environment | 34 jobs Wellness | 25 jobs Equity / stock options | 23 jobs Team events | 20 jobs Relocation support | 18 jobs Flexible spending account | 17 jobs Salary bonus | 13 jobs Gear | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a System Administrator in InfoSec/Cyber Security can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range widely depending on the cost of living in the region and the demand for cybersecurity professionals. In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can be a percentage of the base salary or a fixed amount. These bonuses are often tied to individual performance, team performance, or company profitability. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology may offer more competitive packages compared to smaller firms or those in less lucrative sectors.

Increasing Salary Potential

To increase your salary from a System Administrator position in InfoSec/Cyber Security, consider pursuing advanced certifications and further education. Specializing in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or ethical hacking, can make you more valuable to employers. Gaining experience in leadership roles or project management can also open up higher-paying positions. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can provide opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, considering roles in high-demand industries or regions with a higher cost of living can lead to better compensation packages.

Educational Requirements

Most System Administrator roles in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cyber Security. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree, but having formal education can provide a competitive edge. Advanced degrees, such as a Master's in Cyber Security or Information Assurance, can be beneficial for career advancement and may be required for more senior positions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some common and beneficial certifications for a System Administrator in InfoSec/Cyber Security include:

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): An advanced certification that demonstrates expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a cybersecurity program.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on understanding and using hacking techniques to identify and fix security vulnerabilities.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Provides skills in security operations and monitoring.

These certifications not only validate your skills but also demonstrate a commitment to the field, which can be attractive to employers.

Experience Requirements

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in IT or a related field for a System Administrator role in InfoSec/Cyber Security. Experience in network administration, system administration, or a similar role is often required. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and risk management is highly valued. As you gain more experience, you can take on more complex projects and responsibilities, which can lead to higher-level positions and increased salary potential.

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