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:
Network/Systems Administrator I Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.56% |
| VMware | 3.05% |
| Installation | 2.15% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $80,115 | |
| Consulting | $77,910 | |
| Cybersecurity | $77,910 |
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.
| 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 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
Salaries for a Network/Systems Administrator I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $67,363 in 2023 to around $67,487 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Network/Systems Administrator I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $67,363 |
| 2024 | $67,840 |
| 2025 | $67,487 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Network/Systems Administrator I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: