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IT Hardware/Software Administrator III Salary in the United States

How much does an IT Hardware/Software Administrator III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Hardware/Software Administrator III in the United States is $99,620 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.

However, an IT Hardware/Software Administrator III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $120,482
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $90,160 to $110,540
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $81,547
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence IT Hardware/Software Administrator III Salaries

An IT Hardware/Software Administrator III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do IT Hardware/Software Administrator III Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract IT Hardware/Software Administrator IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $110,300.
  • California: $109,880.
  • Massachusetts: $108,410.

Top Paying Cities for IT Hardware/Software Administrator IIIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $125,650
  • San Francisco: $124,270
  • Oakland: $121,650

What Skills Can Increase an IT Hardware/Software Administrator III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 2.91% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Long Term Care (Mentioned in 3.88% Job Postings): Long-term care (LTC) is a variety of services which help meet both the medical and non-medical needs of people with a chronic illness or disability who cannot care for themselves for long periods. Long term care is focused on individualized and coordinated services that promote independence, maximize patients' quality of life, and meet patients' needs over a period of time. It is common for long-term care to provide custodial and non-skilled care, such as assisting with normal daily tasks like dressing, feeding, using the bathroom. Increasingly, long-term care involves providing a level of medical care that requires the expertise of skilled practitioners to address the multiple chronic conditions associated with older populations. Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, in assisted living facilities or in nursing homes. Long-term care may be needed by people of any age, although it is a more common need for senior citizens.
  • Inventory Management (Mentioned in 1.94% Job Postings): Overseeing and controlling supplies and stock to ensure that an organization maintains an adequate stock quantity.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 2.91%
Long Term Care 3.88%
Inventory Management 1.94%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an IT Hardware/Software Administrator III's salary.

  • Interpersonal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Cost Control: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Triage: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Interpersonal Communication $110,578
11%
Cost Control $107,590
8%
Triage $105,597
6%
Get Latest Data

IT Hardware/Software Administrator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

IT Hardware/Software Administrator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $111,330. While startup companies pay approximate $94,173.

IT Hardware/Software Administrator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $94,173
Growth Stage 51~500 $99,598
Established 501~5000 $107,503
Enterprise 5000+ $111,330

IT Hardware/Software Administrator III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For IT Hardware/Software Administrator III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, IT Hardware/Software Administrator positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT Hardware/Software Administrator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an IT Hardware/Software Administrator III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$119,544$57.020%

How Education impacts an IT Hardware/Software Administrator III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many IT Hardware/Software Administrator IIIs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an IT Hardware/Software Administrator III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $90,965 and $97,393).

IT Hardware/Software Administrator III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for IT Hardware/Software Administrator III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.6%
High School 24.4%
Associates 17.9%
Bachelors 50.4%
Masters 4.9%
Doctorate 0.8%
View as Graph

IT Hardware/Software Administrator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an IT Hardware/Software Administrator III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$90,160
Average $99,620/year
$110,540
$7,513
Average $8,302/month
$9,212
$1,734
Average $1,916/week
$2,126
$43
Average $48/hour
$53
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $110,540 $9,212 $2,126 $53
Average $99,620 $8,302 $1,916 $48
25th Percentile $90,160 $7,513 $1,734 $43

IT Hardware/Software Administrator III Salary Growth & Career Path

IT Hardware/Software Administrator III

Next Role

For an IT Hardware/Software Administrator III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Enterprise IT Asset Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $124,200 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.

Most common benefits for IT Hardware/Software Administrator III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for IT Hardware/Software Administrator III

Here are companies hiring for IT Hardware/Software Administrator III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about IT Hardware/Software Administrator III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for IT Hardware/Software Administrator III?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for IT Hardware/Software Administrator III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is the salary of US IT employees?

As of January 29, 2025, the salary for IT Hardware/Software Administrators in the United States ranges from $86,530 to $109,070 annually, with a median salary of $97,110. This translates to approximately $41.60 to $52.50 per hour, or $1,666 to $2,100 per week, and $7,500 to $9,142 per month.

3. What is the highest paying admin job?

The highest paying admin job in IT is the IT Hardware/Software Administrator, with a salary range from $86,530 to $109,070, depending on experience and qualifications. This role involves managing and maintaining IT systems, making it a critical position in any organization. Other high-paying admin roles include Executive Assistant and Operations Manager.

4. What is the salary of Software Engineer III in USA?

The estimated total pay for a Software Engineer III in the USA ranges from $86,530 to $109,070 per year, with a mid-salary of $97,110. These figures reflect the salary data for IT Hardware/Software Administrators, providing a benchmark for similar roles in the industry.

5. What is the highest paid system administrator?

The highest paid IT Hardware/Software Administrator can earn up to $109,070 annually. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $86,530, with a mid-level salary around $97,110. This reflects the demand and expertise required in the field.

6. What is a Level 3 administrator?

A Level 3 administrator is typically an entry-level position in IT, focusing on practical skills such as planning, organizing, record keeping, and quality control. In the IT Hardware/Software field, salaries range from $86,530 to $109,070, with a mid-salary of $97,110, reflecting the importance of these roles in managing technology systems effectively.

7. Which IT jobs pay the most?

The highest-paying IT jobs often include roles like Principal Software Engineer, Engineering Manager, or Machine Learning Engineer, with salaries ranging from $86,530 to $109,070. These positions demand a strong blend of experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership abilities, making them highly sought after in the tech industry.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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