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System Administrator I Salary in California

How much does a System Administrator I make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a System Administrator I in California is $83,777 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $93,332
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $76,844 to $88,778
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $70,532
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence System Administrator I Salaries

A System 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects System Administrator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a System 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $83,409
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $106,252
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $125,834
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $146,212
  • Expert (over 8 years): $171,817
Levels Salary
System Ad... Level System Administrator I$83,409
Systems A... Level System Administrator I$106,252
Systems A... Level System Administrator I$125,834
Systems A... Level System Administrator I$146,212
Systems A... Level System Administrator I$171,817
View as Graph

How Do System 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 System Administrator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $84,096.
  • California: $83,777.
  • Massachusetts: $82,661.

Top Paying Cities for System 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:

  • Los Angeles: $83,921
  • West Hollywood: $83,861
  • Dodgertown: $83,921

System Administrator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For System Administrator I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, System Administrator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view System Administrator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a System Administrator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$108,910$52.030%
Biotechnology$102,208$49.022%
Pharmaceuticals$98,857$48.018%
Internet$96,344$46.015%
Software & Networking$96,344$46.015%

System Administrator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a System 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 September 01, 2026
$76,844
Average $83,777/year
$88,778
$6,404
Average $6,981/month
$7,398
$1,478
Average $1,611/week
$1,707
$37
Average $40/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $88,778 $7,398 $1,707 $43
Average $83,777 $6,981 $1,611 $40
25th Percentile $76,844 $6,404 $1,478 $37

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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