As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Unix System Administrator in California is $109,737 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, an Unix System Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Unix System Administrator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $116,096 | $9,675 | $2,233 | $56 |
| Average | $109,737 | $9,145 | $2,110 | $53 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,476 | $8,290 | $1,913 | $48 |
ManTech International - El Segundo, CA
KPMG - Los Angeles, CA
KPMG - San Francisco, CA
KPMG - Los Angeles, CA
An Unix System 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 Unix System 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 Unix System Administrator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Unix System Administrator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Unix System Administrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $164,605 | $79.0 | 50% |
| Insurance | $153,631 | $74.0 | 40% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $148,144 | $71.0 | 35% |
| Healthcare | $142,658 | $69.0 | 30% |
| MFG Nondurable | $137,171 | $66.0 | 25% |
Understanding how an Unix System 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 | $116,096 | $9,675 | $2,233 | $56 |
| Average | $109,737 | $9,145 | $2,110 | $53 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,476 | $8,290 | $1,913 | $48 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Unix System Administrator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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