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Hourly Wage for Network/Systems Administrator I Salary in the United States

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Network/Systems Administrator I?

As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Network/Systems Administrator I in the United States is $35, which translates to an annual salary of about $73,500.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $41 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $33 to $38 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $31 per hour

Key Factors That Influence Network/Systems Administrator I Salaries

A Network/Systems Administrator I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Network/Systems Administrator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Network/Systems Administrator I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Network/Systems Administrator I (0-2 years): $73,499
  • Network/Systems Administrator II (2-4 years): $91,564
  • Network/Systems Administrator III (4-7 years): $109,884
  • Network/Systems Administrator IV (7+ years): $125,855
  • Network/Systems Administrator V (7-10 years): $146,670
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Network/Systems Administrator I0-2 years$73,499
Network/Systems Administrator II2-4 years$91,564
Network/Systems Administrator III4-7 years$109,884
Network/Systems Administrator IV7+ years$125,855
Network/Systems Administrator V7-10 years$146,670

Top Paying Cities for Network/Systems Administrator Is

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: $92,710
  • San Francisco: $91,690
  • Oakland: $89,760

What Skills Can Increase a Network/Systems Administrator I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6.56% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • VMware (Mentioned in 3.05% Job Postings): Applying the VMware software to develop multiple virtual computer systems within a single server.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 2.15% Job Postings): The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6.56%
VMware 3.05%
Installation 2.15%

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 a Network/Systems Administrator I's salary.

  • Computer Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Cybersecurity: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Computer Engineering $80,115
9%
Consulting $77,910
6%
Cybersecurity $77,910
6%

Network/Systems Administrator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Network/Systems Administrator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,139. While startup companies pay approximate $69,481.

Network/Systems Administrator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $69,481
Growth Stage 51~500 $73,484
Established 501~5000 $79,316
Enterprise 5000+ $82,139

Network/Systems Administrator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Network/Systems Administrator I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Network/Systems Administrator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Network/Systems Administrator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Network/Systems Administrator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$95,550$46.030%
Pharmaceuticals$88,200$42.020%
Software & Networking$88,200$42.020%
Energy & Utilities$84,525$41.015%
Internet$84,525$41.015%

How Education impacts a Network/Systems Administrator I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Network/Systems Administrator Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Network/Systems Administrator I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $65,328 and $69,309).

Network/Systems Administrator I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Network/Systems Administrator I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.7%
High School 22.9%
Associates 33.4%
Bachelors 38.8%
Masters 4.2%
Doctorate 0.1%

Network/Systems Administrator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Network/Systems Administrator I'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
$69,100
Average $73,500/year
$79,690
$5,758
Average $6,125/month
$6,641
$1,329
Average $1,413/week
$1,533
$33
Average $35/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,690 $6,641 $1,533 $38
Average $73,500 $6,125 $1,413 $35
25th Percentile $69,100 $5,758 $1,329 $33

Most common benefits for Network/Systems Administrator I

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

Common company salaries for Network/Systems Administrator I

Here are companies hiring for Network/Systems Administrator I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Network/Systems Administrator I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Network/Systems Administrator I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Network/Systems Administrator I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary for a network administrator?

The salary for a Network/Systems Administrator ranges from $64,870 to $79,340 per year, with a mid-range salary of $71,560. This reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field.

3. What is the highest paid system administrator?

The highest paid Network/Systems Administrator can earn up to $79,340 annually. This figure represents the maximum salary in the field, while the minimum salary starts at $64,870 and the mid-range salary is approximately $71,560. These figures reflect the varying levels of experience and expertise within the profession.

4. What next after system administrator?

System administrators can advance their careers by moving into senior or specialized positions like network administrator, cloud administrator, or cybersecurity analyst. These roles typically offer competitive salaries, with network/system administrators earning between $64,870 and $79,340, depending on experience and expertise.

5. Is system administrator an IT job?

Yes, a system administrator is indeed an IT job. They are responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems and networks, ensuring optimal performance and security. The salary for a Network/Systems Administrator typically ranges from $64,870 to $79,340, with a median salary of around $71,560, reflecting the importance of this role in the IT field.

6. What is higher than a network administrator?

A network engineer typically holds a more senior position than a network administrator, reflecting their advanced skills and experience. In terms of salary, network administrators earn between $64,870 and $79,340, while network engineers generally command higher salaries, often exceeding the upper range of a network administrator's earnings.

7. Which IT jobs pay the most?

Among IT jobs, Network/Systems Administrators earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $64,870, a mid-range salary of $71,560, and a maximum of $79,340. These roles are essential for managing and maintaining IT infrastructure, making them valuable in the tech industry.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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