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Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in Pendleton, OR

Senior Systems Administrator information

See Pendleton, OR salary details

$49.7K

$103.7K

$145.5K

How much do senior systems administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior systems administrator in Pendleton, OR is $103,675.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $118,100.00 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.

What cities near Pendleton, OR are hiring for Senior Systems Administrator jobs?

Cities near Pendleton, OR with the most Senior Systems Administrator job openings:

Network Enterprise Management Design Engineer Senior with Security Clearance

Pendleton, OR • On-site

Kaztronix
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 201 - 500 employees

$105K - $144K/yr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

We re seeking an experienced Network Enterprise Management Design Engineer Senior to support daily engineering operations for a mission-critical Department of the Navy (DON) program at Camp Pendleton. This is a highly technical role supporting NetOps visibility, infrastructure control, and cybersecurity across Navy/Marine Corps enterprise environments. Key Responsibilities: * Support and assist the Government Lead with daily systems engineering operations. * Evaluate and troubleshoot LAN, BAN, and WAN communication hardware and software. * Provide technical leadership on large-scale system integration and testing. * Design solutions for full-spectrum, near real-time IT service monitoring and vulnerability analysis. * Enable Navy/Marine Corps NetOps through network management systems and C2 facilities. * Facilitate operational control over network services and infrastructure for DON. * Install and integrate server systems, perform schema extensions for directory services. * Support disaster recovery, security patching, and integration with Host-Based Security System (HBSS). * Implement Active Directory (AD), LDAP, and PKI for two-factor authentication and access control. * Conduct network analysis and deep packet inspection (Wireshark, Sniffer, etc.). * Build and manage system dashboards and status monitoring tools. * Install, configure, and maintain NetScout systems (nGenius One, Performance Manager, Infinistream). * Design and support RedHat Enterprise Linux solutions and Rights Management for users and admins. * Operate and manage a range of systems including Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, Brocade, McAfee, Client OMi/NNMi, Client Server/Network Automation, and more. * Ensure compliance with IA and Comply-to-Connect standards. Required Qualifications: * Active SECRET clearance * ITIL v3 Foundation Certification (mandatory) * 5+ years of experience with: * Network engineering (LAN/WAN, routing, protocols) * Directory services (Active Directory, LDAP) * Security tools (PKI, two-factor authentication, HBSS) * Packet analysis tools (Wireshark, Sniffer) * NetScout system setup and support * RedHat Enterprise Linux platforms * Enterprise consoles (Cisco, Fortinet, Juniper, McAfee, Client suite) * Familiarity with DoD IT infrastructure and compliance standards Preferred: * Experience in Navy/Marine Corps environments * Knowledge of Comply to Connect and DoN network policies Kaztronix is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. In addition, all human resource actions in such areas as compensation, employee benefits, transfers, layoffs, training and development are to be administered objectively, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. By applying to the position, you acknowledge that your information will be used by Kaztronix in processing your application.

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About Kaztronix

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kaztronix was founded in 2002 with a simple vision: To make the finest talent and consulting solutions accessible to organizations across several industries. For more than a decade, that vision has shaped our interaction with every client and candidate. Our team of passionate recruiters and consultants sources and qualifies the top industry talent and provides flexible solutions tailored to the unique objectives of our clients. This commitment to excellence has fueled our success and our growth. Kaztronix has frequently been named on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies in America. As a national provider of technical and scientific recruiting and consulting solutions, Kaztronix provides flexible staffing solutions, statement of work and workforce management for both small projects at individual site locations, as well as large, multisite, national projects. We provide contract, contract-to-hire, direct hire and consulting services to dynamic businesses across the U.S. We understand there is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach to clients’ challenges. Therefore, each relationship begins with an in-depth discovery of individual needs, and we deploy a sophisticated process.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

Year founded

2002

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