💻 Technology ↑ 3% growth · Average

Systems Administrator

Systems administrators manage the servers, networks, and computing infrastructure that organizations rely on daily — ensuring uptime, security patches, and performance. It's a well-paying, stable career with natural growth pathways into cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and DevOps.

$90,520 Median Salary
321K US Jobs
2–4 years Training
$8,000–$40,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$60,000
Median
$90,520
Experienced
$130,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

3%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
321K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified: Windows Server
Required Credential
CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified: Windows Server

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
AAS in Computer Information Systems or Bachelor's
Program Length
2–4 years
Typical Tuition
$8,000–$40,000
Work Setting
Corporate IT, government, healthcare, managed service providers
🏆 Credential Required: CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified: Windows Server

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Systems Administrator involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Corporate IT environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Systems Administrator by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC