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Associate System Administrator Jobs in Massachusetts

$93K - $125K/yr

Analyze and troubleshoot system anomalies to ensure optimum equipment performance. * Perform ... Bachelor's degree in a related area OR Associate's degree in a related area + 2 years' experience ...

Showing results 41-60

Associate System Administrator information

See Massachusetts salary details

$44.8K

$97.1K

$150.2K

How much do associate system administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate system administrator in Massachusetts is $97,119.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $113,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate system administrator?

Associate System Administrators are entry-level IT professionals responsible for assisting in the maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems and networks. They typically support senior system administrators by monitoring system performance, troubleshooting technical issues, and performing routine updates or backups. This role often serves as a starting point for a career in system administration, providing hands-on experience with servers, security protocols, and user support. Associate System Administrators work in a variety of industries to ensure that IT infrastructure runs smoothly and efficiently.

What are some typical challenges an associate system administrator may face during their first year on the job?

As an Associate System Administrator, newcomers often face challenges such as quickly learning the organization's specific IT infrastructure and adapting to a fast-paced environment where prompt troubleshooting is essential. Managing priorities between routine maintenance tasks and urgent technical issues can be demanding. Additionally, balancing learning new technologies while ensuring system security and uptime is maintained requires strong time-management and communication skills. Most teams provide mentorship and structured onboarding to support new associates as they build confidence and technical proficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate system administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate System Administrator, you need a solid understanding of operating systems (Windows, Linux), basic networking, and a relevant degree or IT certifications such as CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals. Familiarity with system monitoring tools, ticketing systems, and remote management software is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in diagnosing issues and supporting users. These competencies ensure reliable system performance, minimize downtime, and contribute to smooth IT operations.

What is the difference between Associate System Administrator vs Network Technician?

AspectAssociate System AdministratorNetwork Technician
CertificationsCompTIA A+, Network+; Microsoft CertifiedCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentData centers, IT departments, enterprise environmentsNetwork operations centers, troubleshooting sites, enterprise networks
Job FocusManaging servers, user accounts, system updatesInstalling, maintaining, troubleshooting network hardware and connectivity

While both roles support IT infrastructure, Associate System Administrators focus on server and system management, whereas Network Technicians specialize in network hardware and connectivity issues. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Do associate system administrators make good money?

Associate system administrators typically earn a starting salary that varies by location and industry, with median wages often ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 annually. Salaries can increase with experience, certifications such as CompTIA or Microsoft, and proficiency with tools like Windows Server or Linux. Overall, the role offers competitive pay for entry-level IT positions.

Is a system administrator an entry level job?

A system administrator role is typically considered an entry-level to mid-level position, depending on the organization. Entry-level positions often require basic knowledge of operating systems, networking, and troubleshooting, with some roles offering on-the-job training or requiring relevant certifications like CompTIA Server+ or Cisco CCNA.

Is an associate system administrator job in high demand?

Associate system administrator roles are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for IT support, network management, and system maintenance across various industries. Employers seek candidates with basic technical skills, familiarity with operating systems, and certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+ to fill these positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of System Administrator jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of System Administrator jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Associate System Administrator jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Associate System Administrator job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate System Administrator job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,119 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Net/Sys Admin II - Network/System Administrator with Security Clearance

Watermark Risk Management International, LLC

Bedford, MA • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Come make your mark with Watermark! 🎖 FOUNDED BY USAF VETERANS in 2007, we are proud to be a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business.
🌎 SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS specializing in security and risk management. We're intimately familiar with DOD security programs and mission requirements. OUR CORE VALUES drive every action we take as a company. We strive to exhibit PERSPECTIVE, PASSION, COMMUNICATION, INTEGRITY AND ETHICS, and BALANCE in all we do. 💲 COMPETITIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE to address our employees' physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being. This includes 100% employer- paid medical insurance, ample paid leave, a free employee assistance program, and a competitive 401k savings plan. At Watermark, our people come first! Network/Systems Administrator II The primary function will be to organize, install, and support government organization's computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems. This will also include helping architect, design and analyze network models. It will require participation in decisions about buying future hardware or software to upgrade organization's infrastructure. This position might be called upon to provide technical support to computer users to help solve users' problems. This position will support activities within Special Access Programs (SAPs) supporting Department of Defense (DoD) agencies, such as HQ Air Force, Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and Military Compartments efforts. The position will provide "day-to-day" support for Collateral, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Program (SAP) activities. In this role you will.... * Lead IT ops team on day-to-day management and operations of Networks and implement capabilities vetted through Cybersecurity, ISSE and higher headquarters to maintain JSIG/RMF Authority to Operate and maintain Continuous Monitoring tools and processes * Manage COTS & GOTS products to collect, display and remediate a variety of automated system security and system operations/performance functions and metrics. * Assist during security assessments of servers/network devices/security appliances * Assist during security assessments with regard to accuracy and efficiency * Assist with Creation of operational Operations and Maintenance (O&M) checklists to maintain the service (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly O&M checklists); build Tactics, Techniques and Processes (TTPs) and Standard Operating Processes (SOPs) associated with service checklists * Manage and operate monitoring tools/capabilities with the enterprise security information and event management (SIEM) and create/tailor complex event alarms/rules and summary reports * Execute cybersecurity operations procedures for day to day network management, operations and maintenance * Monitor/analyze output of cybersecurity related tools for reportable security incidents and residual risk * Assist in analyzing technical risk, upon request, of emerging cybersecurity tools and processes * Work as part of a security incident response team as needed * Assist ISSM/ISSO/ISSE with the Integration/Development new techniques to improve Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability for networks/systems operating at various classification levels * Advanced technical competency in one or more of the following supported platforms: Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory Red Hat Enterprise Linux servers, MS Hyper- V/VMWare/ESx/Xen Hypervisors, Enterprise networking/firewalls/intrusion detection/prevention systems, forensic analysis/vulnerability assessment, Group Policy management and configuration, Scripting, BMC Footprints, WSUS, , Lumension, Bitlocker, SQL Server 2012, TomCat, IIS, Windows Server 2012r2/2016, Win 10, Red Hat 6.5, Microsoft Office * Toolkits, SEIMs, Logrhythm, ACAS/Nessus/SCAP, mandatory/role-based access control concepts (e.g. SE Linux extensions to RHEL, PitBull, AppArmor, and Sentris), video teleconferencing/VOIP,Oracle/MS SQL database security, and Apache/IIS Web server security * Additional duties as assigned Experience Requirements: * 3-5 years related experience Education Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in a related area OR Associate's degree in a related area + 2 years' experience OR equivalent experience (4 years) Certification Requirements: * Must meet position and certification requirements outlined in DoD Directive 8570.01-M Information Assurance Technician Level 2 within 6 months of the date of hire
* Prefer an IAT Level III certification (i.e. CASP, CISSP, etc). Security Clearance Requirements: * Top Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility * Eligibility for access to Special Access Program Information * Willingness to submit to a Counterintelligence polygraph Other Requirements: * Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Windows desktop and server operating systems, Microsoft Exchange Server, and as needed RHEL operating systems administration and associated hardware * Experience in effective communication and collaborating in a high performance team environment. * Group Policy design and configuration * Working knowledge of CISCO network and switching and virtualization technologies * Working knowledge of virtualization as it applies to users environments, operating systems, and network appliances * Working knowledge of Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies and data backup technologies * Working knowledge communication security (COMSEC) policies and integration * Working knowledge of Risk Management Framework, Common Criteria, and System Security Policy as they relate to assessments and authorization * Working knowledge and current relevant experience with PL2, PL3, and PL4 network environments/systems * Working knowledge of WSUS and/or YUM patch deployment methodologies * Must be familiar with DoD policy as it applies to implementing and executing system and network administration * Working knowledge of Risk Management Framework and how to apply it to network/information system environments * Must be able to regularly lift up to 50 lbs. * May require sedentary work at least 50% of the time * Reports to a physical location which occasionally requires the ability to traverse between buildings * Ability to manage stress with a high degree of maturity/professionalism * Demonstrated critical thinking and leadership skills and the ability to work well with others * Effective verbal and written communication skills * All Level I & Level II positions - candidate should possess some Special Access Program (SAP) experience * All Level III positions -candidate should possess 2+ years of Special Access Program (SAP) experience Watermark provides salary ranges with job postings in states where it is legally required; any other salary ranges associated with our postings are third party estimates and may not be an accurate reflection of Watermark's total compensation package. Multiple considerations are taken into account when determining the final salary/hourly rate, including but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, education and certifications, relevant work experience, related skills and competencies, as well as Federal Government Contract Labor Categories. Central to Watermark's employment philosophy is the wellbeing of our employees which is why we offer a robust benefits package and wellness program alongside of annual base compensation. Watermark is an equal opportunity employer. All terms and conditions of employment are established without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.