Systems Administrator Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Systems Administrator salary lies between USD 88,275 and USD 138,000 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: March 2, 2025

Salary trend

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 | 310 jobs DoD | 267 jobs Linux | 251 jobs Windows | 232 jobs DoDD 8570 | 227 jobs Cloud | 204 jobs TS/SCI | 185 jobs Monitoring | 160 jobs Compliance | 157 jobs Top Secret | 143 jobs Security Clearance | 139 jobs VMware | 139 jobs Computer Science | 133 jobs Scripting | 132 jobs CISSP | 125 jobs Red Hat | 117 jobs Active Directory | 114 jobs CompTIA | 111 jobs PowerShell | 93 jobs Automation | 92 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 | 238 jobs Health care | 230 jobs Insurance | 191 jobs Competitive pay | 174 jobs 401(k) matching | 161 jobs Medical leave | 152 jobs Parental leave | 143 jobs Startup environment | 105 jobs Flex hours | 95 jobs Flex vacation | 73 jobs Equity / stock options | 66 jobs Wellness | 60 jobs Team events | 58 jobs Salary bonus | 52 jobs Relocation support | 34 jobs Gear | 15 jobs Fertility benefits | 11 jobs Flexible spending account | 9 jobs Home office stipend | 8 jobs Signing bonus | 6 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Systems 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 from 70% to 90% of the total compensation. Bonuses are also a common component, often tied to performance metrics or company profitability, and can account for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, and other benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, salaries tend to be higher to compensate for living expenses. Similarly, larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or technology may offer more competitive compensation packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Systems Administrator position, consider pursuing advanced roles such as a Security Engineer, Security Architect, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions typically require a deeper understanding of security protocols and a broader scope of responsibility. Gaining specialized skills in areas like cloud security, penetration testing, or threat intelligence can also make you more valuable. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or project management responsibilities can demonstrate your ability to manage teams and projects, which is often rewarded with higher pay. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can also open up opportunities for advancement.

Educational Requirements

Most Systems 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 solid foundation in the principles of computing and security. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or specialized training in cyber security.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often sought after by employers. Some of the most common and beneficial certifications for a Systems Administrator in InfoSec/Cyber Security include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Recognized globally, this certification demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This certification focuses on the skills needed to understand and counteract hacking techniques.
• CompTIA Security+: An entry-level certification that covers essential principles for network security and risk management.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Focuses on the skills needed to monitor, detect, and respond to cybersecurity threats.

Experience Requirements

Typically, a Systems Administrator in InfoSec/Cyber Security is expected to have 3 to 5 years of experience in IT or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with network and system administration, as well as exposure to security protocols and practices. Experience with specific technologies or platforms, such as Windows, Linux, or cloud services, can also be beneficial.

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