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Network/Systems Administrator III Salary in the United States

How much does a Network/Systems Administrator III make in the United States?

As of March 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $130,724
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $100,600 to $120,800
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $92,133
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View as table View as graph 25% $100,600 10% $92,133 90% $130,724 75% $120,800 $109,900 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

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 $100,600 $8,383 $1,935 $48
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Key Factors That Influence Network/Systems Administrator III Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Network/Systems Administrator Salaries?

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:

  • Network/Systems Administrator I (0-2 years): $73,499
  • Network/Systems Administrator II (2-4 years): $91,567
  • Network/Systems Administrator III (4-7 years): $109,856
  • Network/Systems Administrator IV (7+ years): $125,833
  • Network/Systems Administrator V (7-10 years): $146,676
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Network/Systems Administrator I0-2 years$73,499
Network/Systems Administrator II2-4 years$91,567
Network/Systems Administrator III4-7 years$109,856
Network/Systems Administrator IV7+ years$125,833
Network/Systems Administrator V7-10 years$146,676
$73,499 Network/S...
$91,567 Network/S...
$109,856 Network/S...
$125,833 Network/S...
$146,676 Network/S...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Network/Systems 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: $138,600
  • San Francisco: $137,200
  • Oakland: $134,200

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 6.65% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • VMware (Mentioned in 3.01% Job Postings): Applying the VMware software to develop multiple virtual computer systems within a single server.
  • Computer Engineering (Mentioned in 2.13% Job Postings): Computer engineering is a branch of electrical engineering that integrates several fields of computer science and electronic engineering required to develop computer hardware and software.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 6.65%
VMware 3.01%
Computer Engineering 2.13%
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 III's salary.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Azure: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Collaboration
$113,197
3%
Azure
$113,197
3%
Insight
$113,197
3%
Leadership
$113,197
3%
Business Acumen
$113,197
3%
Analysis
$112,098
2%
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How Education impacts a Network/Systems Administrator III's Salary?

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).

Network/Systems Administrator III Salaries by Degree Level

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

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.

Last Updated on March 01, 2026

Network/Systems Administrator III Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Network/Systems Administrator III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
LAN/WAN Integration Design and Deployment Manager $119,600 9%
Network/Systems Administrator IV $125,840 15%

Salary Trends for Network/Systems Administrator III

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, .

Average Annual Salary of Network/Systems Administrator III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$105,559
2024
$105,466
2025
$103,429
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $105,559
2024 $105,466
2025 $103,429
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Network/Systems Administrator III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Network/Systems Administrator III

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

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FAQ about Network/Systems Administrator III

1. Who gets paid more system administrator or network administrator?

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.

2. What is a Level 3 Administrator?

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.

3. What is the highest paid job in networking?

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.

4. How much does a Level 3 system administrator make?

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.

5. Is system admin a stressful job?

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.

6. Is network admin a stressful job?

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.

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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