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Systems Administrator IV Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Administrator IV in the United States is $129,117 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $148,464
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $121,124 to $139,244
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $113,847
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Systems Administrator IV Salaries

A 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 Systems Administrator IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 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:

  • Systems Administrator II (2-4 years): $93,835
  • Systems Administrator III (4-7 years): $111,123
  • Systems Administrator IV (7+ years): $129,117
  • Systems Administrator V (7-10 years): $151,735
  • Systems Administration Supervisor (10+ years): $113,282
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Systems Administrator II2-4 years$93,835
Systems Administrator III4-7 years$111,123
Systems Administrator IV7+ years$129,117
Systems Administrator V7-10 years$151,735
Systems Administration Supervisor10+ years$113,282
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How Do Systems Administrator IVs 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 Systems Administrator IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $142,958.
  • California: $142,416.
  • Massachusetts: $140,518.

Top Paying Cities for Systems Administrator IV

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: $162,855
  • San Francisco: $161,072
  • Oakland: $157,678

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

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 $144,539. While startup companies pay approximate $122,277.

Systems Administrator IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $122,277
Growth Stage 51~500 $129,322
Established 501~5000 $139,578
Enterprise 5000+ $144,539

Systems Administrator IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 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, Systems Administrator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Systems Administrator IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Systems Administrator IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$161,396$78.025%
Pharmaceuticals$154,940$74.020%
Software & Networking$154,940$74.020%
Financial Services$148,485$71.015%
Healthcare$148,485$71.015%

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

Understanding how a 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 August 01, 2026
$121,124
Average $129,117/year
$139,244
$10,094
Average $10,760/month
$11,604
$2,329
Average $2,483/week
$2,678
$58
Average $62/hour
$67
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $139,244 $11,604 $2,678 $67
Average $129,117 $10,760 $2,483 $62
25th Percentile $121,124 $10,094 $2,329 $58

Systems Administrator IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Systems Administrator IV

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Advancement

For a Systems Administrator IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Systems Administrator V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $151,735 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Systems Administrator IV

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

Common company salaries for Systems Administrator IV

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

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FAQ about Systems Administrator IV

1. Where can a Systems Administrator IV earn the most?

A Systems Administrator IV's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Systems Administrator IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Systems Administrator IV is $162,855.

2. What is the highest pay for Systems Administrator IV?

The highest pay for Systems Administrator IV is $148,464.

3. What is the lowest pay for Systems Administrator IV?

The lowest pay for Systems Administrator IV is $113,847.

4. What are the responsibilities of Systems Administrator IV?

Maintains and supports the integrity of the operating system environment and various computer systems. Performs systems maintenance tasks, such as system back-up, recovery, and file maintenance to promote uptime and efficient performance. Acquires, installs, and tests system software upgrades and computer components. Configures software and resolves technical problems. Maintains documentation of IT infrastructure and troubleshooting procedures. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.

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

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

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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