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Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Hach

Senior Systems Administrator

Ames, IA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Health benefits * 401(k) Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Application Infrastructure , the Senior Systems Administrator is responsible forthe design, implementation, operation, security, and continuous ...

Washington County, Utah

Systems Administrator

George, IA · On-site

$91K/yr

JOB OPENING FOR A Systems Administrator IN THE Washington County IT Department FULL TIME WITH BENEFITS $91,000 Annually Are you an experienced IT professional who thrives on solving complex technical ...

Yourcaptive

Systems Administrator

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$70 - $95/hr

Systems Administrator** to join our **IT** team in **West Des Moines, Iowa**. Offering a forward-thinking, innovative, and vibrant company culture, along with the opportunity to share your unique ...

Bankers Trust Co.

Systems Administrator I

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$58 - $69/hr

Systems Administrator I Regular Full-Time Des Moines, IA, US 5 days ago Requisition ID: 1357 There are important qualities you look for in an employer - meaningful work, community engagement ...

Pella Corporation

Sr. Microsoft Administrator

Pella, IA · Remote

$114K - $154K/yr

Sr. Microsoft Administrator Remote JOB SUMMARY: The Senior Microsoft Administrator serves as a ... Responsibilities include monitoring system health, managing patching and platform lifecycles, and ...

Pella Corporation

Sr. Microsoft Administrator

Pella, IA · On-site

$114K - $154K/yr

Sr. Microsoft Administrator Remote JOB SUMMARY: The Senior Microsoft Administrator serves as a ... Responsibilities include monitoring system health, managing patching and platform lifecycles, and ...

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All JobsSystems Administrator JobsSenior Systems Administrator JobsSenior Systems Administrator Jobs in Iowa

Senior Systems Administrator information

See Iowa salary details

$46K

$96K

$134.8K

How much do senior systems administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior systems administrator in Iowa is $96,021.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,800.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior systems administrator?

Senior Systems Administrators are IT professionals responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's computer systems, servers, and networks. They oversee system performance, ensure security, troubleshoot complex issues, and often mentor junior administrators. Their work is critical for minimizing downtime, implementing upgrades, and ensuring the reliability and security of IT infrastructure. Senior Systems Administrators typically have years of experience and deep technical knowledge in areas like operating systems, networking, and cloud platforms.

What does a senior systems administrator do?

A senior systems administrator is an IT professional who manages the network and computer system infrastructure for a company or organization. Your responsibilities may vary depending on your employer; at a large company, you may be in a management position in which you oversee a team or department to design and implement network and database solutions for an organization, perform software programming to expand technological capabilities, or troubleshoot network issues and devise solutions. In a smaller company, you may more directly engage with these duties, supported by a small technical staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior systems administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Systems Administrator, you need deep expertise in server management, network administration, and operating systems, typically backed by a bachelor’s degree in IT or a related field. Familiarity with tools like VMware, Active Directory, Linux/Windows Server, and certifications such as CompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with IT teams. These competencies are crucial for maintaining system reliability, minimizing downtime, and supporting organizational technology needs.

What are some common challenges faced by senior systems administrators, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Systems Administrators often encounter challenges such as managing complex, multi-platform environments, ensuring uptime during upgrades or maintenance, and responding to unexpected technical incidents. Balancing proactive system improvements with urgent troubleshooting is a frequent demand. To address these challenges, it's important to prioritize clear documentation, automate routine tasks where possible, and foster strong communication with IT and non-IT teams. Staying current with industry best practices and security protocols also helps prevent many common issues before they arise.

What is the difference between Senior Systems Administrator vs Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Systems AdministratorSystems Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like CompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server, or Cisco CCNAOften requires similar certifications, with additional focus on network design and engineering
Work EnvironmentPrimarily manages and maintains existing IT infrastructure within organizationsDesigns, develops, and implements new systems and network solutions
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in IT departments across various industries, focusing on operational stabilityFound in organizations needing system design and integration, often in tech and engineering sectors

While both roles require strong technical skills and certifications, Senior Systems Administrators focus on maintaining and supporting existing systems, whereas Systems Engineers are more involved in designing and implementing new systems and solutions.

Do senior systems administrators make good money?

Senior systems administrators typically earn a competitive salary that reflects their experience, technical skills, and certifications such as CompTIA or Cisco. Their compensation often includes benefits and opportunities for advancement, with salaries varying by industry and location. They are responsible for managing complex IT infrastructure, which justifies higher pay compared to entry-level roles.

How much does a senior systems administrator make in the US?

A senior systems administrator in the US typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require strong skills in network management, server administration, and certifications such as CompTIA or Cisco. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the environment and the size of the organization.

Is a senior systems administrator a high paying job?

A senior systems administrator typically earns a higher salary compared to entry-level roles due to their experience and technical skills in managing complex IT infrastructure. Salaries vary by industry, location, and certifications such as CompTIA or Cisco, but they are generally considered well-compensated within the IT field.
More about Senior Systems Administrator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Administrator jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Systems Administrator jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Systems Administrator jobs in Iowa?

For Senior Systems Administrator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Systems Administrator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Systems Administrator jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Systems Administrator jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Systems Administrator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Systems Administrator jobs in IA?

For Senior Systems Administrator jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Systems Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Systems Administrator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,021 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Senior System Administrator

Iowa Bankers Insurance & Services, Inc

Johnston, IA

$80K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description:

About Our Company 

One of Des Moines Register's top workplaces is looking to add a Systems Administrator to its team. Iowa Bankers Association is one of the nation's top state-banking associations. However, looking closer you will see that Iowa Bankers is much more than a typical banking association.  Iowa Bankers Mortgage is a leading mortgage originator in Iowa and servicer to nearly $11 billion in loans.  Iowa Bankers Insurance and Services insures more than 30,000 Iowa and Minnesota bank employees and their dependents. 

Located in Johnston, Iowa, the 200 employees impact hundreds of local communities and countless families across the United States every day. 

About The Job & Our Team

Our IT Operations Team works with the Association, Insurance, and Mortgage companies to provide the highest level of customer service, reliability, and security. As a Senior Systems Administrator at Iowa Bankers, you will have the opportunity to deploy and maintain enterprise grade solutions. Some of the software/hardware that you would be supporting include: M365, Azure, Windows Server, VMware, NetApp, Cisco, Dialpad, Fortinet and our enterprise security platforms.
 

In addition to day-to-day maintenance, you will play a crucial role in leading new initiatives and developing policies/procedures as needed. In addition, the position is responsible for providing second level help desk support, testing disaster recovery and business continuity plans, remediating security scans, and ensuring an overall adherence to our compliance requirements. You will also interact with our established vendors/partners to build on our solid partnerships.
 

This position affords an excellent work/life balance by being mostly 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, with a flexible need for nights and weekends as required for updates/upgrades.


Benefits

- 401K Match

- Excellent Insurance Plans

- Generous PTO Allowance

- Flexible work and family life atmosphere

- Company-sponsored professional development opportunities

Requirements:

 Minimum Qualifications

- Associates or Bachelor's degree (or equivalent work experience)

- Senior-Level Experience with Enterprise Software Solutions (ie… Windows Server, M365, Vmware)

- Senior-Level Experience with Enterprise Hardware Solutions (ie… NetApp, Cisco)

- Strong communications skills, both verbal and written

- Must live, or be willing to relocate, to work on-site at Johnston location

Preferred Qualifications

- 10+ Years of Enterprise Network & Systems Administration Experience

- Experience in vulnerability remediation

- Experience providing second/third tier help desk support

- Microsoft Certification(s)


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