Average Salary Range of a System Administrator (sysadmin)

The salary range for system administrators depends largely on experience, location, and the size and scope of the company they are working for.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2019 median pay for system administrators was $90,070 per year. System administrator salaries can range from as low as $58,000 to as high as $150,000, depending on the size of the company they are employed by.

Location is also a major factor in determining a systems administrator's salary. In larger cities, with higher costs of living, you can expect higher salaries than in smaller cities with lower costs of living. For example, in San Francisco the average salary for a system administrator was $121,000 in 2020, while in Austin, TX, the average salary was $93,000.

Experience is also a major factor in determining a system administrator's salary. Typically, the more experience a sysadmin has, the higher their salary will be. Even within the same location, salaries can vary dramatically based on experience. For example, an entry-level system administrator may earn around $70,000 while a senior system administrator may earn as much as $125,000.

Finally, the size and scope of the company can also affect a sysadmin's salary. Companies with large IT infrastructure and more complex systems tend to pay higher salaries. Smaller companies, on the other hand, may not have the resources to pay top dollar for system administrators.

Overall, system administrators have the potential to earn a lucrative salary, depending on their experience, location, and the size and scope of the company they are working for. With the right qualifications and experience, a system administrator can expect to make a comfortable living.