ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Computer System Administrator Jobs in Boston, MA

Aquila Technology

Systems Administrator

Lexington, MA · On-site

Systems Administrator Clearance Level: Must have an Active Secret Clearance to be considered for ... Linux kernel, system tuning and performance analysis * Remote KVM experience * BS in Computer ...

Aquila Technology

Systems Administrator

Lexington, MA · On-site

Systems Administrator Clearance Level: Must have an Active Secret Clearance to be considered for ... Linux kernel, system tuning and performance analysis * Remote KVM experience * BS in Computer ...

Riverside Research

Systems Administrator

Boston, MA · On-site

$72K - $120K/yr

Apply operating system security updates * Remediate monthly compliance scans * Repair and recover ... Experience upgrading, installing, and configuring application software and computer hardware * Able ...

Draper

AI Systems Administrator

Cambridge, MA · On-site

Summary: The AI Systems Administrator is instrumental in bringing AI to Draper. The incumbent ... Computer Science or a related field. Experience * 3 years' experience in Linux system ...

Draper

AI Systems Administrator

Cambridge, MA · Hybrid

Summary: The AI Systems Administrator is instrumental in bringing AI to Draper. The incumbent ... Computer Science or a related field. Experience * 3 years' experience in Linux system ...

IPG Photonics

Systems Administrator

Marlborough, MA · On-site

Create and maintain system configuration and troubleshooting documentation. * Review policies and ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, a related field, or equivalent experience.

IPG Photonics

Systems Administrator

Marlborough, MA · On-site

Create and maintain system configuration and troubleshooting documentation. * Review policies and ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, a related field, or equivalent experience.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsComputer System Administrator JobsComputer System Administrator Jobs in Boston, MA

Computer System Administrator information

See Boston, MA salary details

$44.5K

$96.6K

$149.4K

How much do computer system administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer system administrator in Boston, MA is $96,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer System Administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer System Administrator, you need expertise in network management, operating systems (such as Windows and Linux), and troubleshooting, typically supported by a degree in IT or computer science. Familiarity with system administration tools, virtualization platforms, and certifications like CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help administrators excel in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure reliable system performance, data security, and smooth IT operations across an organization.

What does a computer systems administrator do?

A computer systems administrator manages and maintains an organization’s computer systems, including servers, networks, and hardware. They install, configure, troubleshoot, and ensure the security and performance of IT infrastructure, often using tools like monitoring software and following industry best practices. Strong technical skills and certifications such as CompTIA Server+ or Cisco CCNA are often required.

How much do sys admins get paid?

System administrators typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced sys admins with specialized skills or certifications like CompTIA or Cisco can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary based on the size and industry of the organization.

What are Computer System Administrators?

Computer System Administrators are IT professionals responsible for managing, maintaining, and supporting computer systems and networks within an organization. Their duties include installing and configuring hardware and software, monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring data security. They play a vital role in keeping networks running smoothly and minimizing downtime, which is crucial for business operations. System administrators may also manage user accounts, perform backups, and implement updates and patches to keep systems secure.

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

AspectComputer System AdministratorNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server FundamentalsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentManage servers, hardware, and software systems within organizationsFocus on configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting network infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments across various industries, supporting internal systemsOrganizations with complex networks, including ISPs, large corporations

While both roles involve IT infrastructure, Computer System Administrators primarily manage servers and internal systems, whereas Network Administrators focus on network hardware and connectivity. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within IT.

Can I become a sysadmin without a degree?

Computer system administrators can often enter the field without a formal degree by gaining relevant skills through certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA, and practical experience with operating systems, networking, and security. Many employers prioritize hands-on experience and technical knowledge over formal education for this role.

Is sysadmin a stressful job?

System administrators often work in high-pressure environments where they are responsible for maintaining network security, uptime, and troubleshooting technical issues. The job can involve irregular hours, urgent problem-solving, and managing critical systems, which can contribute to stress levels. However, stress varies depending on the organization, workload, and individual skills.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Computer System Administrator?

A Computer System Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's computer systems and networks. On a daily basis, this includes monitoring system performance, installing software updates, managing user accounts and permissions, and troubleshooting technical issues. Administrators often collaborate with IT support teams and other departments to ensure network security and optimal system operation. They may also be involved in planning for future technology needs and implementing backup or disaster recovery procedures.
What are popular job titles related to Computer System Administrator jobs in Boston, MA? For Computer System Administrator jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer System Administrator jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Computer System Administrator jobs in Boston, MA are:
Computer System Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer System Administrator job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,611 per year, or $46.4 per hour.
Systems Administrator with Security Clearance

Systems Administrator with Security Clearance

Digital Prospectors

Lexington, MA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position: Systems Administrator Location: Lexington, MA (Hybrid)
Length: 3+ Year Contract Job Description:
Maintains operation of multi-user computer systems, including coordination of infrastructure and cloud responsibilities. Develops and designs core operating system builds. Responsible for coding, virtualization, and automation of systems. Sets up administrator and service accounts, maintains an active directory of users and system documentation, tunes system performance, installs system-wide software, and allocates mass storage space. Assesses and resolves user access problems related to security controls to minimize business impact and risk exposure. Identifies and evaluates vendor products and establishes vendor monitoring and tracking processes. Performs capacity planning and monitors/tunes systems. Recommends appropriate platforms for purchase, coordinates installation, and provides backup recovery. Serves as a point of escalation for major incidents that are unresolved at the helpdesk level. Develops and monitors policies and standards for allocation related to the use of computing resources. May draft general IT communications to end-users including notifications of outages/downtimes. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• User focused with the ability to support developers and researchers with desktop configurations, application installations, and development tools
• Serve as a first point of contact to users with technical issues
• Install, maintain, administer, troubleshoot, and support users with software and services
• Interact with users spending time solving unique problems
• Work closely on project teams to provide expertise to solve technical problems
• Recommend new technologies to support researcher and developer needs
• Apply and maintain system baseline configurations and security settings
• Track desktop system lifecycle, replacement and upgrades
• Set up administrator and service accounts, maintain system documentation, tune system performance, install and maintain system software
• Make recommendations for hardware and software purchases
• Ensure security compliance, respond to scan results, proactively remediate issues
• Interact with third-party technology vendors and internal providers
• Write scripts and use configuration management tools to automate repetitive tasks and manage complex deployments
• Maintain a solid understanding of Linux, Unix, Windows and macOS operating systems
• Interact with other system administrators, network engineers, service providers to meet program goals
• Perform system administration duties on offline and classified networks and systems
• Work in a small team, wearing many hats Qualifications:
• Candidates must possess strong oral and written communications skills, and must be able to present findings/results to internal and external organizations.
• Ability to work with internal teams (developers, administrators, IT security and data personnel)
• 5 years’ experience with DevOps practices
• 5 years’ experience managing or operating containers
• 8 years’ experience with operating system (OS) platforms (Linux, Mac, Windows)
• 3 years’ experience provisioning automation: Kickstart, RHEL Satellite or Foreman
• 6 years’ experience with Apple Product Lines
• 6 years’ experience with Ansible, Docker, AWS, CloudFormation and YAML scripting
• 5 years’ experience with development tools (Eclipse, Maven, Git, GitHub, JIRA, Jenkins, Puppet, etc.)
• 5 years’ experience with scripting languages such as Perl, Python, Shell and Powershell. POST-OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK IS REQUIRED. Digital Prospectors is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Digital Prospectors affirms the right of all individuals to equal opportunity and prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment. Come see why DPC has achieved:
• 4.9/5 Star Glassdoor rating and the only staffing company (< 1000 employees) to be voted in the national Top 10 ‘Employee’s Choice - Best Places to Work’ by Glassdoor.
• Voted ‘Best Staffing Firm to Temp/Contract For’ 8 consecutive years in a row by Staffing Industry Analysts as well as a ‘Best Company to Work For’ by Forbes, Fortune and Inc. magazine. As you are applying, please join us in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion by completing the Invitation to Self-Identify form today! www.LoveYourJob.com

Apply