As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Administrator - Entry in Clearwater, MN is $72,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Systems Administrator - Entry's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Systems Administrator - Entry'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, skills, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Systems Administrator - Entry'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Administrator - Entry | 0-2 years | $72,583 |
| Operating Systems Administrator II | 2-4 years | $92,460 |
| Operating Systems Administrator III | 4-7 years | $109,495 |
| Operating Systems Administrator IV | 7+ years | $127,225 |
| Operating Systems Administrator V | 7-10 years | $149,512 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 6.75% |
| Azure | 2.62% |
| Cisco | 1.75% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Long Term Care
|
$79,123 |
9%
|
|
Cisco
|
$76,945 |
6%
|
|
AWS
|
$76,945 |
6%
|
|
VMware
|
$75,494 |
4%
|
|
Azure
|
$75,494 |
4%
|
|
Coordination
|
$75,494 |
4%
|
Systems Administrator - Entry salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,260. While startup companies pay approximate $68,744.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $68,744 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $72,705 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $78,471 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,260 |
For Systems Administrator - Entry 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 Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Systems Administrator - Entry positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Systems Administrator - Entry as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $94,367 | $45.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $88,560 | $43.0 | 22% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $85,656 | $41.0 | 18% |
| Internet | $83,478 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $83,478 | $40.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Systems Administrator - Entry'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Systems Administrator - Entry, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Linux- Red Hat Administration | $92,500 | 27% |
| Email Server Administrator | $97,900 | 35% |
| Operating Systems Administrator II | $92,500 | 27% |
| Systems Administrator - Intermediate - UNIX | $109,300 | 51% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Systems Administrator - Entry job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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