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Assistant System Administrator Jobs in Chicago, IL

System Administrator

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

System Administrator Location: Wheeling, IL (Chicagoland area) About George J. Priester Aviation ... Support Microsoft 365 applications and Exchange Online cloud services. * Assist with hardware ...

Systems Administrator

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Monitor system health, performance, and availability; respond to outages and critical incidents to ... Provide Tier 2 technical support and assist with escalations and high-priority incidents as needed.

Systems Administrator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$79K - $110K/yr

... System Administrator, preferably in government or a large enterprise environment. Description ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Our systems support manufacturing, finance, and operations across multiple facilities, and system ... Execute and verify daily, weekly, and monthly backups * Assist with disaster recovery procedures ...

Systems Administrator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$79K - $110K/yr

Utilize VA's ticketing system (ServiceNow) to input and track all requested changes and work ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Our systems support manufacturing, finance, and operations across multiple facilities, and system ... Execute and verify daily, weekly, and monthly backups * Assist with disaster recovery procedures ...

Payroll & HRIS Administrator (UKG or ADP Experience Required) Reports To: Director, Compensation ... Reconcile payroll data with financial records and assist with payroll journal entries and general ...

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Showing results 1-20

Assistant System Administrator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$26.8K

$70.3K

$140.7K

How much do assistant system administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant system administrator in Chicago, IL is $70,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant system administrator?

Assistant System Administrators are entry-level IT professionals who help manage and maintain an organization's computer systems and networks. They work under the supervision of senior system administrators to perform tasks such as installing software, monitoring network performance, troubleshooting issues, and assisting with user support. Their role is essential in ensuring the smooth operation of IT infrastructure and often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced system administration positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant system administrator?

To succeed as an Assistant System Administrator, you need a solid understanding of networking, operating systems (especially Windows and Linux), and basic troubleshooting, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals. Familiarity with server management tools, remote monitoring systems, and ticketing software is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you resolve issues efficiently and collaborate with team members. These competencies are crucial for maintaining system reliability, minimizing downtime, and supporting organizational IT infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by an assistant system administrator, and how can they be effectively managed?

Assistant System Administrators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected system outages, managing multiple support requests simultaneously, and keeping up with software updates and security patches. To manage these effectively, it's important to prioritize tasks, maintain clear documentation, and communicate proactively with both the IT team and end-users. Developing strong problem-solving skills and staying updated on the latest technologies can also help in quickly resolving issues and reducing system downtime.

What is the difference between Assistant System Administrator vs Network Administrator?

AspectAssistant System AdministratorNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCompTIA A+, Network+; Microsoft CertifiedCCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentSupports IT infrastructure, assists with system maintenanceManages and maintains network infrastructure, troubleshooting network issues
Employer UsageCommon in organizations with IT support teamsFocuses on network-specific roles in various industries

While both roles support IT operations, the Assistant System Administrator primarily assists with system management and support, whereas the Network Administrator specializes in managing network infrastructure. The roles often overlap, but the Network Administrator has a stronger focus on network-specific tasks and certifications.

Do assistant system administrators make good money?

Assistant system administrators typically earn a moderate salary that varies by location and experience, with entry-level positions often paying less than senior roles. They usually require knowledge of operating systems, networking, and troubleshooting, and may earn certifications like CompTIA or Microsoft to increase earning potential.

What are the most commonly searched types of System Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of System Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant System Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant System Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Assistant System Administrator jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Assistant System Administrator job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant System Administrator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,326 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

System Administrator

Schaumburg, IL • Hybrid


Central Garden & Pet
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 544 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$115K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description

Reporting to the Director, System Operations, the primary focus of this role is the administration of Central’s data protection (backup) platform. This position will also lead administrative support for Linux systems and assist with certificate management and monitoring. 
 
The primary responsibility for this role will be managing the Rubrik data protection (backup) platform to secure enterprise data assets by designing, deployment, and managing automated data protection policies across hybrid environments. This role ensures data resilience, operational compliance, and instant system recovery from system failures or cyber threats.
 
This position will also administer Central’s Red Hat Linux environment by managing server installations, upgrades, backups, and leading platform troubleshooting efforts required to help resolve production issues with Central’s Epicor-Prelude ERP and Sterling EDI platforms. You will partner with business and application teams, who may have limited systems expertise, to understand requirements and translate them into technical deliverables, implementation plans, and operational runbooks. This position will also assist the System Operations team with certificate management and monitoring responsibilities.
 
The candidate must have experience with data protection platforms and server administration across the full lifecycle—from sizing and deployment through ongoing maintenance—along with monitoring/observability skills (alerting strategy, dashboards, and actionable runbooks) to improve availability and reduce mean time to resolution. Familiarity with Microsoft Azure preferred, including operating and troubleshooting Linux workloads in Azure and integrating monitoring, identity, networking, and backup practices across hybrid environments.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Perform planning, installation, and configuration of data protection/Linux systems to meet business requirements.
  • Partner with application administrators and business stakeholders to refine requirements, align on technical approach, and produce clear implementation plans, documentation, and runbooks.
  • Perform data protection/Linux operating system software, hardware, and associated software product installation, configuration and upgrades.
  • Develop, test, and document disaster recovery processes for data protection/Linux server environments.
  • Perform capacity planning and performance tuning for environments.
  • Provide off-hour “on call” support in a dynamic, 24x7 high demand environments.
  • Assist with monitoring/observability for platforms (metrics, logs, alert tuning, dashboards, and on-call readiness
  • Manage certificate lifecycle management (issuance, renewal, revocation, and expiration monitoring)
  • Manage certificate lifecycle management (issuance, renewal, revocation, and expiration monitoring)
  • Troubleshooting Linux workloads in Azure (compute, networking, identity, and monitoring integrations) and support hybrid connectivity and operational consistency across on-prem and cloud environments
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of hardware and software technology to support the data protection/Linux system environments.
  • Manage and respond to tickets/requests in accordance with SLA/OLA time frames. 
QUALIFICATIONS 
    • BS/BA in computer technology or related field
    • Systems Administrator with 5 to 7 years of experience, recent experience with Rubrick and RHEL 9 preferred.
    • Experience with enterprise backup and recovery products, processes, and methods. Rubrick experience preferred. 
    • Experience building both physical and logical Linux server environments using Red Hat Satellite Server and Ansible
    • Experience with system monitoring/observability tools and practices (metrics, logs, alerting, dashboards, and runbooks); preferred experience with platforms such as Azure Monitor/Log Analytics, Prometheus/Grafana 
    • Familiarity with Microsoft Azure services and administration for Linux workloads (e.g., Azure Virtual Machines, storage, networking, Azure AD/Entra ID concepts, Azure Monitor/Log Analytics); ability to support hybrid operations is a plus. 
    • Demonstrated ability to elicit requirements, challenge assumptions constructively, and communicate complex infrastructure concepts to non-systems audiences (including application administrators) 
    • Effective communication skills for collaboration, documentation, email, and team discussions 
    • Strong business and professional disciplines with the ability to develop new processes and procedures to bring improvement to the workplace.
    • Self-starting, motivated, and a positive attitude
    POSITION INFORMATION  
    • This position pays $115,000-$130,000 per year depending on experience
    BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS 
    • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
    • Free Life and Disability Insurance
    • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
    • 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
    • Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Access to thousands of free online courses
    • Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
    • Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
    • Referral Program with cash bonus
    • Access to on-demand pay
    • Paid parental leave
     
    Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
     
    We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
    #LI-CM1


    Working at Central Garden & Pet

    Perks for frontline workers

    From Central Garden & Pet, via Breakroom

    • Safety is a top priority!

    • Paid Vacation

    • Paid Holidays

    • Paid Sick Time

    • Paid Breaks

    • Consistent shift and schedule

    • Comprehensive Health Insurance

    • 401k with Company Match

    • Referral Program with Cash Bonus

    • Education Assistance

    • Paid Parental Leave

    About Central Garden & Pet, in their own words

    From Central Garden & Pet

    Our leading consumer and professional brands provide forward-thinking, high quality products to care for your lawn, garden, pets and community. We are committed to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger.

    Company values

    From Central Garden & Pet

    The Central Way | We Do the Right Thing | We Strive to be the Best | We are Entrepreneurial | We Win Together | We Grow Every Day | We are Passionate

    Diversity and inclusion statement

    From Central Garden & Pet

    Central Garden & Pet is committed to building a great place to work that embraces diversity as a key pillar of our culture. This is a journey, and we are committed to listening, learning and doing the work to move forward together.


    What Central Garden & Pet employees say

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