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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Desktop Administrator in California is $78,631 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Desktop Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Desktop Administrator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $88,065 | $7,339 | $1,694 | $42 |
| Average | $78,631 | $6,553 | $1,512 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,783 | $5,899 | $1,361 | $34 |
Ascend Staffing - NORTH SALT LAKE, UT
Savi Gurus - WEBSTER GROVES, MO
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 - SAINT MARYS, MD
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 - BARSTOW, MD
A Desktop Administrator'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.
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 Desktop Administrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Desktop Administrator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Desktop Administrator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Desktop Administrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $98,288 | $47.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $94,357 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $90,425 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $86,494 | $42.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $86,494 | $42.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Desktop Administrator'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $88,065 | $7,339 | $1,694 | $42 |
| Average | $78,631 | $6,553 | $1,512 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,783 | $5,899 | $1,361 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Desktop Administrator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6
CALIFORNIA, MD
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 | CALIFORNIA, MD
SimVentions, Inc. (4.6 on Glassdoor), a mission-focused Defense & Aerospace technology solutions company, seeks a System Administrator for our IT & Cyberse... more
3 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6
GREAT MILLS, MD
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 | GREAT MILLS, MD
SimVentions, Inc. seeks a System Administrator to support Defense & Aerospace IT and cybersecurity operations. You’ll manage Windows/Linux servers, network... more
3 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6
LEONARDTOWN, MD
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 | LEONARDTOWN, MD
SimVentions, Inc. (Glassdoor 4.6) seeks a System Administrator to support Defense & Aerospace programs within our IT & Cybersecurity team. You will configu... more
3 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6
HUGHESVILLE, MD
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 | HUGHESVILLE, MD
SimVentions, Inc. (Glassdoor 4.6) seeks a System Administrator to support Defense & Aerospace IT and cybersecurity operations. You will deploy, configure, ... more
3 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6
BEACHVILLE, MD
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 | BEACHVILLE, MD
SimVentions, Inc. seeks a System Administrator to support Defense & Aerospace IT and cybersecurity missions. You will install, configure, and secure Window... more
3 Days Ago
ManTech International
FORT GEORGE G MEADE, MD
ManTech International | FORT GEORGE G MEADE, MD
ManTech International, a leader in mission-critical national security solutions, is seeking a Linux System Administrator to join our Information Technology... more
4 Days Ago
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