As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Network/Systems Administrator III in the United States is $109,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, a Network/Systems Administrator III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Network/Systems Administrator III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $120,800 | $10,067 | $2,323 | $58 |
| Average | $109,900 | $9,158 | $2,113 | $53 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,800 | $8,400 | $1,938 | $48 |
A Network/Systems Administrator III'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 III'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 |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 6.65% |
| VMware | 3.01% |
| Computer Engineering | 2.13% |
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 III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Collaboration | $113,197 | |
| Azure | $113,197 | |
| Insight | $113,197 |
Network/Systems Administrator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $122,818. While startup companies pay approximate $103,891.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $103,891 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $109,876 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $118,596 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $122,818 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Network/Systems Administrator IIIs 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $104,322 and $109,869).
| Typical Education for Network/Systems Administrator III | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 25.4% |
| Associates | 20.7% |
| Bachelors | 44.9% |
| Masters | 7.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
Understanding how a Network/Systems 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $120,800 | $10,067 | $2,323 | $58 |
| Average | $109,900 | $9,158 | $2,113 | $53 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,800 | $8,400 | $1,938 | $48 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Network/Systems Administrator III, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Client/Server Network Operations Supervisor | $112,100 | 2% |
| LAN/WAN Integration Design and Deployment Manager | $111,900 | 2% |
| Network/Systems Administrator IV | $125,860 | 15% |
Salaries for a Network/Systems Administrator III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $105,559 in 2023 to around $103,429 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Network/Systems Administrator III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $105,559 |
| 2024 | $105,466 |
| 2025 | $103,429 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Network/Systems Administrator III roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Network administrators and system administrators can both earn a comfortable salary, but based on current data, network administrators have a salary range from $101,300 to $121,700, with a mid-salary of $111,100. This indicates that network administrators generally earn more than system administrators, who typically have lower average salaries.
A Level 3 Administrator is typically an entry-level position that provides foundational skills in business administration, including planning, organizing, record keeping, and quality control. In terms of compensation, Network/Systems Administrators in this role can expect salaries ranging from $101,300 to $121,700, with a midpoint of $111,100.
The highest paid job in networking is typically the Network Architect, with an average salary ranging from $120,000 to $150,000 annually. Other high-paying roles include Senior Network Engineer, Network Security Engineer, Wireless Network Engineer, and Network Administrator, with salaries for Network/Systems Administrators ranging from $101,300 to $121,700.
A Level 3 System Administrator typically earns between $101,300 and $121,700 annually, with a mid-salary of around $111,100. This translates to approximately $48.66 to $58.56 per hour, or $8,442 to $10,142 monthly. The average salary reflects the higher demand and expertise required for this role.
System Administrators often face high-pressure situations, managing critical infrastructure and responding to unforeseen issues. Stress levels can peak during system outages or security breaches. However, with robust processes, continuous learning, and effective time management, they can mitigate stress. The salary range for this role typically falls between $101,300 and $121,700, reflecting the responsibilities involved.
Network administrators often encounter stressful situations, such as network outages and security breaches, which demand quick thinking and effective problem-solving skills. Despite these challenges, the role offers a competitive salary range, with a minimum of $101,300, a mid-level salary of $111,100, and a maximum of $121,700, reflecting the importance of their expertise in maintaining organizational stability.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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