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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Systems Administrator in California is $98,558 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, an IT Systems Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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IT Systems Administrator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $102,346 | $8,529 | $1,968 | $49 |
| Average | $98,558 | $8,213 | $1,895 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,655 | $7,471 | $1,724 | $43 |
Evans Manufacturing - Garden Grove, CA
MetroSys - Irvine, CA
Innoflight LLC - San Diego, CA
Connected Careers Page - Sacramento, CA
An IT Systems 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.
Experience is a primary driver of an IT Systems Administrator'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level IT Systems Administrator | $95,169 |
| Intermediate Level IT Systems Administrator | $95,452 |
| Senior Level IT Systems Administrator | $98,279 |
| Specialist Level IT Systems Administrator | $99,672 |
| Expert Level IT Systems Administrator | $100,229 |
What Am I Worth?
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 IT Systems 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 IT Systems Administrator 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 Hospitality & Leisure and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 23% above the average. In contrast, IT Systems Administrator positions in Insurance or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT Systems Administrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality & Leisure | $121,226 | $58.0 | 23% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $116,298 | $56.0 | 18% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $116,298 | $56.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $111,370 | $54.0 | 13% |
| Software & Networking | $111,370 | $54.0 | 13% |
Understanding how an IT Systems 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 | $102,346 | $8,529 | $1,968 | $49 |
| Average | $98,558 | $8,213 | $1,895 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,655 | $7,471 | $1,724 | $43 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current IT Systems Administrator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
cFive Solutions, Inc
Anaheim, CA
cFive Solutions, Inc | Anaheim, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Our future depends upon hiring and retaining great talent who are looking to use the latest technology to create state of... more
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Job Description. Job Description. IMPORTANT. This position offers a full-time hybrid schedule. During the initial 90 days, your commitment will be full-tim... more
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Kimball Electronics
San Francisco, CA
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A global electronics company is seeking an IT Systems Administrator to manage infrastructure systems.Key responsibilities include administration, Level II ... more
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Woojin ISA
Gardena, CA
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