As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Network/Systems Administrator I in the United States is $73,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Network/Systems Administrator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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 | $91,565 |
| Network/Systems Administrator III | 4-7 years | $109,874 |
| Network/Systems Administrator IV | 7+ years | $125,847 |
| Network/Systems Administrator V | 7-10 years | $146,672 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Network/Systems Administrator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.56% |
| VMware | 3.05% |
| Installation | 2.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Engineering
|
$80,115 |
9%
|
|
Consulting
|
$77,910 |
6%
|
|
Cybersecurity
|
$77,910 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$77,175 |
5%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$77,175 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$77,175 |
5%
|
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 $82,209. While startup companies pay approximate $69,524.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,524 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,533 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $79,389 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $82,209 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $95,550 | $46.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $88,200 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $88,200 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $84,525 | $41.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $84,525 | $41.0 | 15% |
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
| 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Network/Systems Administrator I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Performance/Server Capacity Analyst | $91,100 | 24% |
| Client/Server Network Operations Supervisor | $112,100 | 53% |
| LAN/WAN Configuration and Maintenance Administrator | $91,600 | 25% |
| Network/Systems Administrator II | $91,570 | 25% |
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
|
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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.
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