How Much Does a System Administrator make?

System Administrator made a median salary around $90,554 in January, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $102,093 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $80,636. 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.
Check out System Administrator jobs in Rockford, Illinois

System Administrator with Security Clearance

Softek Global Services LLC - Scott AFB, IL

RHEL System Administrator with Security Clearance

DecisionPoint Corporation - Scott AFB, IL

Windows System Administrator with Security Clearance

DecisionPoint Corporation - Scott AFB, IL

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Best-Paying Cities for System Administrator

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the System Administrator profession are Bedford Park , Berwyn , Broadview , Brookfield , Chicago .
Bedford Park, IL $97,228
Berwyn, IL $97,228
Broadview, IL $97,228
Brookfield, IL $97,228
Chicago, IL $97,228

Best-Paying States for System Administrator

The states and districts that pay System Administrator the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $103,159) , California (around $102,233) , New Jersey (around $101,584) , Alaska (around $100,935) , and Massachusetts (around $100,842) .
District of Columbia $103,159
California $102,233
New Jersey $101,584
Alaska $100,935
Massachusetts $100,842

What is the Career Path of System Administrator?

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, the first career path typically starts with a Systems Administrator III position , and then progresses to SVP of Systems Administration.

Additionally, the second career path typically progresses to UNIX Systems Administrator, Sr..

Besides, System Administrator can also turn to other related jobs, including Linux System Administrator , Senior System Administrator , Engineering System Administrator and Imaging System Administrator .

Frequently Asked Questions for System Administrator

Q: What is the salary range of System Administrator in Rockford, IL?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid System Administrator in Rockford, IL earned an average annual salary of $80,636 , while the highest-paid made $102,093.
Q: What is the salary for a System Administrator in California?
A: System Administrator employed in California earned an average salary of $102,233 in 2025.

Average System Administrator Pay vs. Other Jobs

System Administrator earned an average salary of $90,554 in 2025. Other jobs related to System Administrator earned the following average salary in January, 2025. Linux System Administrator made $104,918 , Senior System Administrator made $112,737 , Engineering System Administrator and Imaging System Administrator made $90,554 and $73,031 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of System Administrator

Linux System Administrator - Average Salary $104,918
There is currently no job description for Linux System Administrator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Linux System Administrator.
Senior System Administrator - Average Salary $112,737
There is currently no job description for Senior System Administrator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Senior System Administrator.
Engineering System Administrator - Average Salary $90,554
There is currently no job description for Engineering System Administrator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Engineering System Administrator.
Imaging System Administrator - Average Salary $73,031
There is currently no job description for Imaging System Administrator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Imaging System Administrator.
Intermediate System Administrator - Average Salary $87,945
There is currently no job description for Intermediate System Administrator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Intermediate System Administrator.