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System Administrator I Salary in Seattle, WA

How Much Does a System Administrator I make?

System Administrator I made a median salary around $83,253 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $93,609 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $74,865. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Check out System Administrator jobs in Seattle, Washington

System Administrator (IAT-III) with Security Clearance

Valiant Integrated Services - Oak Harbor, WA

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System Administrator - System Engineer

Prowess Consulting - Bellevue, WA

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System Administrator

Pikemann LLC - Shelton, WA

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Best-Paying Cities for System Administrator I

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the System Administrator I profession are Kirkland , Medina , Mercer Island , Seattle , Bellevue .
Kirkland, WA $83,253
Medina, WA $83,253
Mercer Island, WA $83,253
Seattle, WA $83,253
Bellevue, WA $83,253

Best-Paying States for System Administrator I

The states and districts that pay System Administrator I the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $83,388) , California (around $83,072) , Massachusetts (around $81,965) , Washington (around $81,664) , and New Jersey (around $81,634) .
District of Columbia $83,388
California $83,072
Massachusetts $81,965
Washington $81,664
New Jersey $81,634

What is the Career Path of System Administrator I?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For System Administrator I, the first career path typically progresses to Linux Administrator.

The second career path typically progresses to Mail Server Administrator.

The third career path typically starts with a Systems Administrator II position , and then progresses to SVP of Systems Administration.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically starts with an UNIX Administrator position , and then progresses to UNIX Systems Administrator, Sr..

Besides, System Administrator I can also turn to other related jobs, including Network Administrator I , Payroll Administrator I , Systems Administrator I and Web Administrator I .

Frequently Asked Questions for System Administrator I

Q: What is the salary range of System Administrator I in Seattle, WA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid System Administrator I in Seattle, WA earned an average annual salary of $74,865 , while the highest-paid made $93,609.
Q: What is the salary for a System Administrator I in California?
A: System Administrator I employed in California earned an average salary of $83,072 in 2025.

Average System Administrator I Pay vs. Other Jobs

System Administrator I earned an average salary of $83,253 in 2025. Other jobs related to System Administrator I earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Network Administrator I made $80,665 , Payroll Administrator I made $68,150 , Systems Administrator I and Web Administrator I made $80,396 and $92,249 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of System Administrator I

Network Administrator I - Average Salary $80,665
Responsible for the daily administration of a network and server environment. Installs, configures, and maintains system software. Monitors network performance, troubleshoots issues, and deploys solutions. Documents network issues and events using standard formats. Plans and implements upgrades, patches, and new applications and equipment installation. Uses scripting and writes basic programs to automate processes. Maintains and follows disaster recovery, security, backup, and restore plans. May evaluate new tools or equipment and perform analysis/feasibility studies to guide decisions on optimizing network performance. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. May require Network Administrator Certification. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Payroll Administrator I - Average Salary $68,150
Responsible for the accurate preparation, documentation, distribution and reconciliation of payroll and the administration of the payroll system. Reviews the computation of pay and associated deductions for accuracy. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of city, state, provincial, local, and federal legislation affecting payroll; understands and follows applicable provisions. Prepares required tax filings and other reporting. May coordinate payroll processing with an outside service provider. Responds to and resolves any inquiries regarding paychecks or payroll reporting. Ensures payroll issues are escalated and resolved promptly. May require an associate degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Systems Administrator I - Average Salary $80,396
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 closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Web Administrator I - Average Salary $92,249
Administers and maintains the organization's websites. Monitors site traffic and performance and recommends changes in the site's technical architecture to ensure that the website remains responsive, stable, and secure. Maintains and administers websites by screening content for consistency and accuracy. Maintains related hardware and software, installs upgrades, and resolves system errors as they arise. Ensures the website is properly integrated with related computer systems and back-end processes. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
Linux System Administrator - Average Salary $119,194
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