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Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

S&C

Senior Systems Administrator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

The Senior Systems Administrator is responsible for the secure administration, support, and continuous improvement of the organization's identity and access management environment. This role manages ...

Oakton College

Senior Systems Administrator

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Oakton College is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to oversee the day-to-day operations and system security of their hypervisor, Windows, and Linux systems. The role includes supervising ...

Shure

Senior Systems Administrator

Niles, IL · On-site +1

$86K - $117K/yr

Overview We're seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to support and enhance our global IT infrastructure across both on-premises and cloud environments. This role will lead key functions including ...

Shure

Senior Systems Administrator

Niles, IL · On-site

$86K - $117K/yr

Overview We're seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to support and enhance our global IT infrastructure across both onpremises and cloud environments. This role will lead key functions including ...

Shure

Senior Systems Administrator

Niles, IL

$86K - $117K/yr

Overview We're seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to support and enhance our global IT infrastructure across both onpremises and cloud environments. This role will lead key functions including ...

Shure

Senior Systems Administrator

Niles, IL

$86K - $117K/yr

We're seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to support and enhance our global IT infrastructure across both onpremises and cloud environments. This role will lead key functions including Windows and ...

HARRIS & HARRIS LTD

Sr. System Administrator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

We're looking for friendly, professional, and motivated Sr. Systems Administrator to join our Information Technology team. If you're looking for a company that embraces the principles of respect ...

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Senior Systems Administrator information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$48.2K

$100.6K

$141.2K

How much do senior systems administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior systems administrator in Park Ridge, IL is $100,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,600.00 and $114,600.00 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 Park Ridge, IL?

The most popular types of Systems Administrator jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Systems Administrator jobs in Park Ridge, IL?

For Senior Systems Administrator jobs in Park Ridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Senior Systems Administrator jobs?

Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Senior Systems Administrator job openings:

Senior Systems Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Systems Administrator job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,594 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Senior Systems Administrator

Contact Government Services, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$101K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Senior Systems Administrator
Employment Type: Full Time, Senior-level
Department: Legal/IT

CGS is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to join our team supporting a wide-ranging technical support initiative for a large Federal agency.

CGS brings motivated, highly skilled, and creative people together to solve the government’s most dynamic problems with cutting-edge technology. To carry out our mission, we are seeking candidates who are excited to contribute to government innovation, appreciate collaboration, and can anticipate the needs of others. Here at CGS, we offer an environment in which our employees feel supported, and we encourage professional growth through various learning opportunities.

Skills and attributes for success:
- This individual will manage the archiving of Relativity databases.  To that end they will develop, manage and document a workflow process to identify, archive, and delete materials according to the requisite destruction/deletion policy and in accordance with Division, Department and NARA instruction/policy. 
- Typically reports to the Contractor IT Manager, to Systems Manager, or to Lead Project Manager.
- Consult with COR, Government Case Managers, and trial attorneys as to system requirements and proposed technical approach to IT needs.  
- Based on information gathered from such consultations, determines system and project requirements.
- Based on the definition of system requirements, designs entire system to meet those requirements.
- On smaller projects, may perform entire range of technical support, including program validations and testing, etc.  
- Performs systems evaluations.
- Makes presentations of findings, recommendations, and specifications in formal reports and in oral presentations.  
- Also consults with COR regarding task orders, scheduling of work, personnel assignments, priorities and progress reporting, plans, staffs, schedules and develops cost estimates for work to be performed under task orders.
- Reports on contract and task order progress.  
- Directs and supervises personnel assigned to perform on-task orders, ensuring conformance to work standards and ensuring that the technical design conforms to functional requirements.
- Ensures successful completion of work, timeliness of deliverables, and quality control.  
- Prepares system/technical documentation.
- Works under the configuration management plan.  
- Performs and supervises the technical aspects of the tasks.
- Organizes and conducts user training sessions on systems developed.
- Prepares training material and training manuals on systems developed.

Qualifications:
- This person must have significant Relativity experience including the creation of ARM’s (Archive/Restore/Move).
- Must be able to create and refine Relativity ARM workflows and standard operating procedures.
- Must demonstrate substantial, hands-on, successful experience in actually doing the work on the systems being used, usually at least five years of such experience.  Other systems environments will require other specific sets of skills.  
- Requires broad knowledge of the Government's IT environments, including office automation networks, and PC and server-based databases and applications.  
- Experience in a litigation support environment is extremely helpful.  Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.  
- Supervisory experience very strongly preferred.  
- The ability to lead a technical team, and to give it direction, will be very important, as will the demonstrated ability to analyze the attorneys' needs, and to design and implement a whole system solution responsive to those needs.  
- Undergraduate degree strongly preferred, preferably in the computer science or information management/technology disciplines.
- Must be able to obtain a favorably adjudicated Public Trust Clearance.

Ideally, you will have:
- Relativity Certified Administrator or Relativity Infrastructure Specialist Certificate 

Our commitment:
Contact Government Services (CGS) strives to simplify and enhance government bureaucracy through the optimization of human, technical, and financial resources. We combine cutting-edge technology with world-class personnel to deliver customized solutions that fit our clients’ specific needs. We are committed to solving the most challenging and dynamic problems.

For the past seven years, we’ve been growing our government contracting portfolio, and along the way, we’ve created valuable partnerships by demonstrating a commitment to honesty, professionalism, and quality work.

Here at CGS we value honesty through hard work and self-awareness, professionalism in all we do, and to deliver the best quality to our consumers mending those relations for years to come.

We care about our employees. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive benefits package.
- Health, Dental, and Vision
- Life Insurance
- 401k
- Flexible Spending Account (Health, Dependent Care, and Commuter)
- Paid Time Off and Observance of State/Federal Holidays

Contact Government Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Join our team and become part of meaningful government innovation!
Explore additional job opportunities with CGS on our Job Board:
https://cgsfederal.com/join-our-team/
For more information about CGS please visit: https://www.cgsfederal.com or contact:
Email: info@cgsfederal.com

#CJ

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.