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Professional System Administrator Jobs in Michigan

ESM

System Administrator - Senior

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

We are hiring a System Administrator- Senior to support an enterprise-level program within a ... IBM MQ v9.4 Administrator - Professional or newer certificate Minimum Clearance * Top Secret ...

Esmcorp

System Administrator - Senior

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

We are hiring a System Administrator- Senior to support an enterprise-level program within a ... IBM MQ v9.4 Administrator - Professional or newer certificate. Minimum Clearance * Top Secret ...

New

ESM

System Administrator - Senior

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

We are hiring a System Administrator- Senior to support an enterprise-level program within a ... Administrator - Professional or newer certificate Minimum Clearance Top SecretPhysical ...

ESM

System Administrator - Senior

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$81K - $109K/yr

We are hiring a System Administrator- Senior to support an enterprise-level program within a ... IBM MQ v9.4 Administrator - Professional or newer certificate Minimum Clearance * Top Secret ...

Hillsdale College

Systems Administrator

Hillsdale, MI · On-site

As a vital member of the Network and System Administration team, you will ensure the reliability ... Associate degree or higher in BIS, MIS, Computer Science, or equivalent professional experience.

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Professional System Administrator information

See Michigan salary details

$35.7K

$77.5K

$119.8K

How much do professional system administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional system administrator in Michigan is $77,508.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $90,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional system administrator?

Professional system administrators are IT specialists responsible for managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting computer systems, networks, and servers within an organization. They ensure that these systems run efficiently, remain secure, and are updated with the latest software and security patches. System administrators often handle user account management, data backup and recovery, and monitor system performance. Their role is crucial for minimizing downtime and ensuring that employees have reliable access to the technology they need.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional system administrator?

To thrive as a Professional System Administrator, you need strong expertise in operating systems (Windows, Linux/UNIX), networking, troubleshooting, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with server management tools, virtualization platforms, scripting languages (like PowerShell or Bash), and certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator are highly valuable. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure reliable system performance, quick issue resolution, and smooth collaboration with IT teams and end users.

What are some common challenges professional system administrators face when managing large-scale IT infrastructures?

Professional System Administrators often encounter challenges such as ensuring system security while maintaining uptime, efficiently scaling infrastructure to meet organizational growth, and keeping up with rapid software and hardware updates. Managing user permissions, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and coordinating with multiple teams across the organization are also frequent tasks. Staying proactive with monitoring, documentation, and automation helps address these challenges and keeps systems running smoothly.

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

AspectProfessional System AdministratorNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server, Cisco CCNACompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Juniper JNCIA
Work EnvironmentData centers, server rooms, enterprise IT environmentsNetwork operations centers, office networks, ISP infrastructure
Primary FocusServer management, OS configuration, system securityNetwork infrastructure, routing, switching, connectivity
Common TasksServer deployment, OS updates, user permissionsNetwork setup, troubleshooting connectivity issues

The Professional System Administrator and Network Administrator roles often overlap but focus on different areas of IT infrastructure. The System Administrator primarily manages servers and operating systems, while the Network Administrator specializes in network hardware and connectivity. Both roles require relevant certifications and are vital in maintaining enterprise IT environments.

Do professional system administrators make good money?

Professional system administrators typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, certifications, and location. They often receive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, and salaries tend to increase with expertise in areas like network management, security, and cloud services.

Is a professional system administrator a high paying job?

A professional system administrator often earns a competitive salary, especially with relevant certifications like CompTIA or Cisco, and experience managing networks and servers. Salaries vary by industry and location but generally reflect the technical skills and responsibilities involved in maintaining IT infrastructure.

Is a professional system administrator an entry level job?

A professional system administrator is typically not an entry-level position; it usually requires several years of experience, technical skills, and certifications such as CompTIA Server+ or Cisco CCNA. Entry-level roles in IT may be titled help desk technician or support specialist, with system administration roles requiring more advanced knowledge of operating systems, networks, and security.

What is the system administrator salary?

The salary for a system administrator typically ranges from $60,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications like CompTIA or Cisco can earn higher salaries.

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Professional System Administrator jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Professional System Administrator job openings:

Professional System Administrator jobs near you

System Administrator - Senior

ESM

Battle Creek, MI • On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support the operation and maintenance of critical IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, storage, and applications.

  • Plan, install, configure, upgrade, and optimize systems while troubleshooting software, connectivity, and performance issues.

  • Lead system administrators in day-to-day operations, provide senior-level troubleshooting, mentorship, documentation, patching, and incident response.

Job description

Enterprise Solutions and Management (ESM) is a rapidly growing government contractor that provides strategic IT services that meet mission needs for Defense and Federal customers. We are hiring a System Administrator- Senior to support an enterprise-level program within a federal environment.
Job Description and Responsibilities
The Senior System Administrator ensures stable, secure, and efficient operation of critical IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, storage, applications, and communication links across multiple locations. Responsibilities include planning, installing, configuring, maintaining, upgrading, and optimizing systems; troubleshooting software, connectivity, and performance issues; and conducting capacity and vulnerability management. Ensures compliance with STIGs and RMF requirements and applies advanced technical expertise in Active Directory, VMware, Linux, Windows, application networking, load balancing, and fault-tolerant architectures. Improves operational efficiency through automation, scripting, and standardized procedures; provides system administrator and end-user training; and develops recommendations for technology improvements aligned with business and mission objectives. Provides local and remote support, leads system administrators in day-to-day operations, and provides senior-level troubleshooting, mentorship, documentation, patching, and incident response to maintain system availability and mission readiness.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA)
  • Knowledge of server, storage, network, and virtualization technologies, including Active Directory (AD), DNS, DHCP, Group Policy (GPO), and VMware.
  • Ability to maintain system availability, performance, and security through monitoring, patching, vulnerability remediation, firewall management, and compliance with DoD STIGs and RMF requirements.
  • Skill in developing technical documentation, SOPs, network diagrams, and system images, as well as automating administrative tasks using PowerShell, Python, Ansible, or similar scripting tools.
  • Ability to diagnose and resolve complex system and network issues and provide advanced Tier 2/3 technical support, including backup, recovery, and disaster recovery operations.
  • Skill in documenting and communicating system status, incidents, outages, and corrective actions through formal technical reports and briefings.
  • Ability to assess infrastructure requirements, recommend technology improvements, and collaborate effectively with technical teams and military and civilian stakeholders.

Desired KSA
  • Be a positive, self-motivated, and proactive person with the ability to adapt to change and tolerate stressful situations
  • Candidate must communicate effectively with team members, team lead, management, and government customers
  • Must have the ability and desire to research and develop creative solutions to unique problems with minimal supervision

Minimum Training, Education, and Certifications
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a System Administrator in a Microsoft Windows operating system environment.
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of specialized Information Technology experience, including at least four (4) years of hands-on experience installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting a variety of hardware and software solutions.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience configuring and managing IBM MQ.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience configuring and managing Windows Internet Information Services (IIS).
  • Must hold a minimum Bachelor's degree of Computer Science or other relevant field of study
  • DOD 8140 baseline certification - IAT Level II
  • Microsoft Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate credential
  • IBM MQ v9.4 Administrator - Professional or newer certificate

Minimum Clearance
  • Top Secret

Physical Requirements
  • Required to stand, walk and sit; communicate verbally both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls; reach with hands and arms. Regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and lift up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Physical demands associated with this position include extensive walking (including stairs) throughout offices and between buildings. May require use of public transportation, personal or Government vehicle to drive to local and/or remote office locations.

Additional Requirements
  • Other duties as assigned

ESM provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identification or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law.

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