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Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

TechWish

Senior Systems Administrator

Herndon, VA · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

Systems Administrator T4 Location: Herndon, VA minimum of 3 times a week onsite Duration: 1 year Contract NOTE :Must be a US Citizen and ONLY hold US citizenship Potential to convert to FTE SENIOR ...

AnaVation

Sr Systems Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

$89K - $121K/yr

AnaVation is seeking a Sr Systems Administrator to join our team and support our mission critical customer in Reston, VA. As a Sr Systems Administrator you will: * Plan, design, and implement ...

AnaVation LLC

Sr Systems Administrator

Reston, VA

$89K - $121K/yr

AnaVation is seeking a Sr Systems Administrator to join our team and support our mission critical customer in Reston, VA. As a Sr Systems Administrator you will: * Plan, design, and implement ...

Alex Stewart Intl Corp

Senior Systems Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

$89K - $121K/yr

The Senior Systems Administrator is responsible for leading and performing advanced IT infrastructure and systems administration activities, including the installation, configuration, administration ...

AnaVation

Sr Systems Administrator

Reston, VA

$89K - $121K/yr

AnaVation is seeking a Sr Systems Administrator to join our team and support our mission critical customer in Reston, VA. As a Sr Systems Administrator you will: * Plan, design, and implement ...

ITC Federal, Inc

Senior Systems Administrator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

Senior Systems Administrator AGENCY SUPPORTED: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) - MEGA 6 Automated Litigation Support POSITION TYPE: Full-Time, Contingent Upon Award LOCATION: Remote CLEARANCE:

AnaVation

Sr Systems Administrator

Reston, VA

$89K - $121K/yr

AnaVation is seeking a Sr Systems Administrator to join our team and support our mission critical customer in Reston, VA. As a Sr Systems Administrator you will: * Plan, design, and implement ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Administrator

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Senior System Administrator Alexandria, VA Leidos is hiring a Senior System Administrator to support Red Hat systems operating within the Army Cloud Computing Enterprise Transformation (AC2SP) on ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Administrator

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Senior System Administrator Alexandria, VA Leidos is hiring a Senior System Administrator to support Red Hat systems operating within the Army Cloud Computing Enterprise Transformation (AC2SP) on ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Administrator

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Senior System Administrator Alexandria, VA Leidos is hiring a Senior System Administrator to support Red Hat systems operating within the Army Cloud Computing Enterprise Transformation (AC2SP) on ...

AnaVation LLC

Sr Systems Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

$89K - $121K/yr

They are seeking a Sr Systems Administrator to support mission-critical customers by managing infrastructure changes, troubleshooting VMware environments, and providing expert level support to junior ...

Nava

Sr Systems Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Job Summary AnaVation is seeking a Sr. Systems Administrator to join our team and support our mission‑critical customer in Reston, VA. Responsibilities * Plan, design, and implement infrastructure ...

AnaVation LLC

Sr Systems Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

$89K - $121K/yr

They are seeking a Sr Systems Administrator to support mission-critical customers by managing and troubleshooting VMware environments, providing expert-level support, and implementing infrastructure ...

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All JobsSystems Administrator JobsSenior Systems Administrator JobsSenior Systems Administrator Jobs in Virginia

Senior Systems Administrator information

See Virginia salary details

$48.6K

$101.4K

$142.3K

How much do senior systems administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior systems administrator in Virginia is $101,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,300.00 and $115,500.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Systems Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Systems Administrator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,353 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Senior Systems Administrator

TechWish

Herndon, VA • On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position: Systems Administrator T4

Location: Herndon, VA minimum of 3 times a week onsite

Duration: 1 year Contract


NOTE :Must be a US Citizen and ONLY hold US citizenship



Potential to convert to FTE

SENIOR SYSTEM CLOUD ADMINISTRATOR

Required Skills and Experience:

- 5+ years of experience in an IT enterprise System Admin role or Cloud Admin position

- 4+ years with PowerShell or bash scripting for automation

- Experience with Ansible for deployments

- Experience with Firewalls

- Expert level Microsoft Azure Administrator

- Senior level Windows admin skills (Active Directory, DNS, Group Policy)

- Experience troubleshooting and patching with the following platforms: SUSE, RedHat or CentOS

- Must be able to go onsite 3x per week in Herndon, VA


Nice to Have Skills and Experience

-Bachelor's in computer science

- Professional industry certifications in area of expertise, certification such as MCSE, MCITP, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ900), Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ104), Azure Certified Solutions Architect (AZ303/304)

- Experience with integration of SEIM tools, backups, and monitoring tools

- Knowledge of Best Practice and security guides (ex. NIST 800-53 rev 4)

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About TechWish

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

For over 20 years, TechWish has been serving as a prime source of digital transformation and technology consulting solutions for large as well as mid-sized enterprises, including Fortune 100 companies such as two of the top five media companies, the world’s top network infrastructure company, and the world’s largest credit union. As a preferred solutions integration partner, TechWish helps clients across a range of industry sectors analyze data, develop applications, and secure and modernize their technology infrastructure. We provide customized solutions that leverage our strategic partnerships with leading platform and technology companies.

Industry

It services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Sterling, VA, US

Year founded

1990

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