Systems Administrator Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Systems Administrator salary lies between USD 87,100 and USD 138,000 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. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Systems Administrator roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with 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 | 297 jobs DoD | 255 jobs Linux | 241 jobs Windows | 224 jobs DoDD 8570 | 218 jobs Cloud | 195 jobs TS/SCI | 178 jobs Monitoring | 152 jobs Compliance | 149 jobs Top Secret | 139 jobs Security Clearance | 132 jobs VMware | 129 jobs Scripting | 127 jobs Computer Science | 124 jobs CISSP | 117 jobs Red Hat | 110 jobs Active Directory | 108 jobs CompTIA | 105 jobs Automation | 88 jobs PowerShell | 88 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Systems Administrator roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Systems Administrator job listings are Career development, Health care 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:

Career development | 230 jobs Health care | 220 jobs Insurance | 181 jobs Competitive pay | 166 jobs 401(k) matching | 155 jobs Medical leave | 147 jobs Parental leave | 139 jobs Startup environment | 103 jobs Flex hours | 93 jobs Flex vacation | 72 jobs Equity / stock options | 64 jobs Wellness | 59 jobs Team events | 58 jobs Salary bonus | 48 jobs Relocation support | 29 jobs Gear | 15 jobs Fertility benefits | 10 jobs Flexible spending account | 9 jobs Home office stipend | 8 jobs Signing bonus | 6 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Systems 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 based on region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often offer higher base salaries compared to smaller cities. Industries such as finance or healthcare, which prioritize security, may also offer higher compensation. Bonuses are usually performance-based and can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company's profitability and individual performance. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes stock options, especially in larger or publicly traded companies.

Increasing Salary Potential

To increase your salary from a Systems 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 defense, can lead to a significant salary increase.

Educational Requirements

Most Systems 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 a degree, but having formal education can be advantageous. Advanced degrees, such as a master's in cybersecurity or information systems, can further enhance your qualifications and salary prospects.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly boost your career. Common and beneficial 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 your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for higher-level positions.

Experience Requirements

Typically, a Systems Administrator in InfoSec/Cyber Security is expected to have 3-5 years of experience in IT or a related field. Experience in network administration, system management, or a similar role is often required. Hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and risk management is also highly valued. As you gain more experience, you can move into more specialized or senior roles, which often come with higher salaries.

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