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Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX Salary in the United States

How much does a Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX in the United States is $99,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.

However, a Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $110,843
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $90,980 to $105,480
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $83,141

Key Factors That Influence Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX Salaries

A Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIXes

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: $125,620
  • San Francisco: $124,240
  • Oakland: $121,620

What Skills Can Increase a Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 8.06% 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.
  • Azure (Mentioned in 3.45% Job Postings): Microsoft Azure, often referred to as Azure, is a cloud computing service operated by Microsoft for application management via Microsoft-managed data centers.
  • Help Desk (Mentioned in 2.18% Job Postings): The activities involved in handling and resolving customer grievances and issues faster and efficient by a ticketing system.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 8.06%
Azure 3.45%
Help Desk 2.18%

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 Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX's salary.

  • Cisco: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Communicates Effectively: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Cisco $115,524
16%
Communicates Effectively $113,533
14%
Coordination $113,533
14%

Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $111,296. While startup companies pay approximate $94,145.

Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $94,145
Growth Stage 51~500 $99,568
Established 501~5000 $107,470
Enterprise 5000+ $111,296

Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Media$149,385$72.050%
Insurance$139,426$67.040%
Retail & Wholesale$134,446$65.035%
Healthcare$129,467$62.030%
MFG Nondurable$124,488$60.025%

How Education impacts a Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIXes 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 Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $75,401 and $81,827).

Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.6%
High School 17.6%
Associates 20.8%
Bachelors 54.4%
Masters 5.6%
Doctorate 0.0%

Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX'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 September 01, 2026
$90,980
Average $99,590/year
$105,480
$7,582
Average $8,299/month
$8,790
$1,750
Average $1,915/week
$2,028
$44
Average $48/hour
$51
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $105,480 $8,790 $2,028 $51
Average $99,590 $8,299 $1,915 $48
25th Percentile $90,980 $7,582 $1,750 $44

Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX, 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.

Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Linux- Red Hat Administration $93,900 -6%
Email Server Administrator $99,300 0%
Operating Systems Administrator II $93,900 -6%
Systems Administrator - Intermediate - UNIX $110,900 11%

Most common benefits for Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX

Here are companies hiring for Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX?

The Media industry offers the highest average compensation for Systems Administrator - Entry - UNIX roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. How much does a Linux system administrator make in the US?

The salary for an entry-level Systems Administrator specializing in UNIX in the US ranges from $70,230 to $90,550 per year, with a mid-range salary of $81,180. This reflects the typical earnings for those starting in this role, differing from the broader average for Linux system administrators.

3. What is the duty of a system administrator?

System administrators (sysadmins) are responsible for managing multiuser computing environments and ensuring the smooth operation of IT services. Their duties include identifying and resolving network issues, addressing cybersecurity threats, and implementing preventive measures against intrusions. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries ranging from $70,230 to $90,550, with a midpoint of $81,180.

4. What is the highest paid system administrator?

The highest paid Systems Administrators can earn significantly more than the entry-level salaries. For example, while entry-level positions in UNIX range from a minimum of $70,230 to a maximum of $90,550, top salaries in cities like Tallahassee, FL reach up to $146,790, showcasing the potential for higher earnings in certain locations.

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 for entry-level positions ranges from $70,230 to $90,550, reflecting the responsibilities involved.

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

As of now, the salary for a Level 3 System Administrator (Entry - UNIX) ranges from $70,230 to $90,550 annually, with a midpoint of $81,180. This translates to approximately $33.69 to $43.51 per hour, or about $1,352 to $1,740 per week.

7. What does a UNIX system administrator do?

A UNIX System Administrator installs, configures, and maintains UNIX operating systems in a business environment. They analyze and resolve issues related to servers, hardware, applications, and software. The salary for an entry-level position ranges from $70,230 to $90,550, with a midpoint of $81,180, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this field.

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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