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UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III in the United States is $124,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $147,243
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $114,600 to $136,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $105,404
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III Salaries

A UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III'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.

How Do UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $138,000.
  • California: $137,500.
  • Massachusetts: $135,700.

Top Paying Cities for UNIX Operating 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: $157,300
  • San Francisco: $155,500
  • Oakland: $152,300

What Skills Can Increase a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III'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 3.47% 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 3.47%
Help Desk 2.18%
See More Skills

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 III's salary.

  • Attention to Detail: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Computer Systems: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Attention to Detail $149,640
20%
Computer Systems $130,935
5%
Commitment $130,935
5%
Get Latest Data

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

UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $139,357. While startup companies pay approximate $117,882.

UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $117,882
Growth Stage 51~500 $124,672
Established 501~5000 $134,567
Enterprise 5000+ $139,357

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

For UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 38% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, UNIX Operating Systems Administrator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$149,640$72.020%
Financial Services$149,640$72.020%
Energy & Utilities$137,170$66.010%
Pharmaceuticals$137,170$66.010%
Software & Networking$137,170$66.010%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many UNIX Operating 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 UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $123,790 and $130,812).

UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.3%
High School 26.5%
Associates 20.8%
Bachelors 42.9%
Masters 8.4%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a UNIX Operating 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 September 01, 2026
$114,600
Average $124,700/year
$136,500
$9,550
Average $10,392/month
$11,375
$2,204
Average $2,398/week
$2,625
$55
Average $60/hour
$66
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $136,500 $11,375 $2,625 $66
Average $124,700 $10,392 $2,398 $60
25th Percentile $114,600 $9,550 $2,204 $55

UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III Salary Growth & Career Path

UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III

Next Role

Advancement

For a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Operating Systems Administrator IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $129,200 - a projected growth of 4% over your current level.

Most common benefits for UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III

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

Common company salaries for UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III

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

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FAQ about UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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 range for this role typically falls between $119,200 and $145,800, reflecting the responsibilities involved.

3. What is the highest salary in Linux?

The highest salary for a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator is $145,800. The salary range for this role typically starts at $119,200, with a mid-level salary of $131,600. This reflects the demand for skilled professionals in UNIX systems administration.

4. What is the salary of L3 Linux Administrator?

The estimated total pay for a L3 UNIX Operating Systems Administrator ranges from $119,200 to $145,800 per year, with an average salary of $131,600 per year.

5. Do system administrators make good money?

Yes, system administrators can earn a good salary. For UNIX Operating Systems Administrators, the salary ranges from a minimum of $119,200 to a maximum of $145,800, with a median salary of $131,600. This indicates a competitive income compared to the general average for system administrators.

6. What is the salary of an administrator in the US?

The salary of a UNIX Operating Systems Administrator in the US ranges from $119,200 to $145,800 per year, with a median salary of $131,600. This reflects the specialized skills and experience required for this role, significantly higher than the average office administrator salary.

7. Do Linux jobs pay well?

Yes, Linux jobs can pay well. For UNIX Operating Systems Administrators, salaries range from a minimum of $119,200 to a maximum of $145,800, with a mid-salary of $131,600. This is significantly higher than the average salary of $45,760 for all occupations, indicating strong earning potential 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.)

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