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Operating Systems Administrator IV Salary in the United States

How much does an Operating Systems Administrator IV make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operating Systems Administrator IV in the United States is $129,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.

However, an Operating Systems Administrator IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $148,496
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $121,200 to $139,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $113,916
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View as table View as graph 25% $121,200 10% $113,916 90% $148,496 75% $139,300 $129,200 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Operating Systems Administrator IV Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $139,300 $11,608 $2,679 $67
Average $129,200 $10,767 $2,485 $62
25th Percentile $121,200 $10,100 $2,331 $58
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Key Factors That Influence Operating Systems Administrator IV Salaries

An Operating Systems Administrator IV'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Operating Systems Administrator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Operating Systems Administrator IV'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:

  • Operating Systems Administrator II (2-4 years): $93,836
  • Operating Systems Administrator III (4-7 years): $111,119
  • Operating Systems Administrator IV (7+ years): $129,110
  • Operating Systems Administrator V (7-10 years): $151,734
  • Operating Systems Administration Supervisor (10+ years): $113,264
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Operating Systems Administrator II2-4 years$93,836
Operating Systems Administrator III4-7 years$111,119
Operating Systems Administrator IV7+ years$129,110
Operating Systems Administrator V7-10 years$151,734
Operating Systems Administration Supervisor10+ years$113,264
$93,836 Operating...
$111,119 Operating...
$129,110 Operating...
$151,734 Operating...
$113,264 Operating...
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Top Paying Cities for Operating Systems Administrator IVs

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: $162,900
  • San Francisco: $161,100
  • Oakland: $157,700

Operating Systems Administrator IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Operating Systems Administrator IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $144,509. While startup companies pay approximate $122,212.

Operating Systems Administrator IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$122,212
Growth Stage51~500$129,258
Established501~5000$139,551
Enterprise5000+$144,509

Operating Systems Administrator IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Operating Systems Administrator IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Operating Systems Administrator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Operating Systems Administrator IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Operating Systems Administrator IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$161,500$78.025%
Pharmaceuticals$155,040$75.020%
Software & Networking$155,040$75.020%
Financial Services$148,580$71.015%
Healthcare$148,580$71.015%

Operating Systems Administrator IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Operating Systems Administrator IV'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, 2026

Operating Systems Administrator IV Salary Growth & Career Path

For an Operating Systems Administrator IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Operating Systems Administrator V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $151,800 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Operating Systems Administrator IV

Salaries for an Operating Systems Administrator IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $116,135 in 2023 to around $116,812 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Operating Systems Administrator IV salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Operating Systems Administrator IV Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$116,135
2024
$117,266
2025
$116,812
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $116,135
2024 $117,266
2025 $116,812
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Operating Systems Administrator IV

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Operating Systems Administrator IV

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FAQ about Operating Systems Administrator IV

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Operating Systems Administrator IV?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Operating Systems Administrator IV roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. 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 for this role ranges from $123,200 to $150,300, reflecting the responsibilities involved.

3. What is the highest paying admin job?

The highest paying admin job is the Operating Systems Administrator, with a salary range from $123,200 to $150,300, and a mid-salary of $136,000. This role involves managing and maintaining operating systems, ensuring optimal performance and security. Other high-paying admin positions include Executive Assistant to CEO and HR Administrator, but the Operating Systems Administrator stands out in terms of compensation.

4. How much do US pay per hour?

As of January 18, 2025, the average hourly pay for an Operating Systems Administrator in the United States ranges from approximately $59.24 to $72.25, based on a salary range of $123,200 to $150,300 annually. The midpoint salary is around $65.38 per hour. This reflects the specialized nature of the role and the demand for skilled professionals in the field.

5. What is the top average system administrator salary?

The average salary for an Operating Systems Administrator ranges from $123,200 to $150,300, with a midpoint of $136,000. While cities like Tallahassee, FL report salaries around $146,790, the overall salary range indicates competitive compensation for this role across various locations in the United States.

6. Is system administrator an IT job?

Yes, a System Administrator is indeed an IT job. They handle the planning, installation, and maintenance of complex IT systems, ensuring they support organizational missions. Additionally, they implement IT Cybersecurity guidelines to protect these systems. Salaries for Operating Systems Administrators range from $123,200 to $150,300, with a mid-salary of $136,000.

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

As of now, the salary for a Level 3 System Administrator ranges from $123,200 to $150,300 annually, with a midpoint of $136,000. This translates to approximately $59.13 to $72.14 per hour, or $10,267 to $12,525 monthly. The figures reflect the current market demand for skilled Operating Systems Administrators.

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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