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UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I Salary in the United States

How much does a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I in the United States is $99,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $110,872
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $91,000 to $105,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $83,170
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View as table View as graph 25% $91,000 10% $83,170 90% $110,872 75% $105,500 $99,600 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $105,500 $8,792 $2,029 $51
Average $99,600 $8,300 $1,915 $48
25th Percentile $91,000 $7,583 $1,750 $44

Key Factors That Influence UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I Salaries

A UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I'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 UNIX Operating Systems Administrator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I'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:

  • UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I (0-2 years): $99,538
  • Systems Administrator - Intermediate - UNIX (2-4 years): $110,813
  • UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III (4-7 years): $124,603
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I0-2 years$99,538
Systems Administrator - Intermediate - UNIX2-4 years$110,813
UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III4-7 years$124,603
$99,538 UNIX Oper...
$110,813 Systems A...
$124,603 UNIX Oper...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract UNIX Operating Systems Administrator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $110,300.
  • California: $109,800.
  • Massachusetts: $108,400.

Top Paying Cities for UNIX Operating Systems Administrator Is

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: $125,600
  • San Francisco: $124,200
  • Oakland: $121,600

What Skills Can Increase a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I'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.
See More Skills
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 UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I'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
$115,536
16%
Communicates Effectively
$113,544
14%
Coordination
$113,544
14%
Virtualization
$108,564
9%
Integrity
$107,568
8%
VMware
$107,568
8%
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UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $111,402. While startup companies pay approximate $94,213.

UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$94,213
Growth Stage51~500$99,645
Established501~5000$107,580
Enterprise5000+$111,402

UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I 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, UNIX Operating Systems Administrator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Media$149,400$72.050%
Insurance$139,440$67.040%
Retail & Wholesale$134,460$65.035%
Healthcare$129,480$62.030%
MFG Nondurable$124,500$60.025%

How Education impacts a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many UNIX Operating Systems Administrator Is 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 UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $75,436 and $81,846).

UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I
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%
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UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I'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

UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I Salary Growth & Career Path

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

UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I 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%

Salary Trends for UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I

Salaries for a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,354 in 2023 to around $63,342 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$64,354
2024
$63,587
2025
$63,342
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $64,354
2024 $63,587
2025 $63,342
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I

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

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

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FAQ about UNIX Operating Systems Administrator I

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

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

2. What is the highest paying admin job?

The highest paying admin job can vary, but roles like UNIX Operating Systems Administrator offer competitive salaries. In 2024, the salary range for this position is approximately $70,300 to $90,600, with a mid-salary of $81,200. Other high-paying admin roles include Executive Assistant to CEO and Operations Manager, among others.

3. Do you need a degree to be a Linux system administrator?

A college degree can be advantageous for a Linux System Administrator, providing a solid foundation in computer science and networking. However, it's not mandatory. The field values technical skills, certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or RHCE, and hands-on experience. Salaries typically range from $70,300 to $90,600, with a median around $81,200.

4. Do administrators make good money?

Administrators can earn a competitive salary. For UNIX Operating Systems Administrators, the salary ranges from a minimum of $70,300 to a maximum of $90,600, with a mid-range salary of $81,200. This indicates that administrators can make a good income, especially as they gain experience and expertise in their field.

5. Which IT jobs pay the most?

Among IT jobs, UNIX Operating Systems Administrators offer competitive salaries. The minimum salary for this role is $70,300, with a mid-range salary of $81,200, and a maximum salary reaching $90,600. This makes it one of the higher-paying positions in the IT field, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in system administration.

6. What is the salary of UNIX system administrator?

The salary for a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator ranges from $70,300 to $90,600 per year, with a median salary of $81,200. This reflects the competitive compensation for skilled professionals in this field.

7. Do system administrators make good money?

System administrators can earn a competitive salary. Based on recent data, the salary for UNIX Operating Systems Administrators ranges from a minimum of $70,300 to a maximum of $90,600, with a median salary of $81,200. This indicates that many professionals in this field can achieve a solid income, reflecting their skills and expertise.

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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