1

Senior Systems Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Aurora, CO · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

Overview We are seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to join our Task Order proposal on the Defense Intelligence Agency's Solutions for the Information Technology Enterprise III (SITE III). The ...

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 ...

Sr. Systems Administrator

Washington, DC · On-site

$97K - $131K/yr

What you will do As a Senior Systems Administrator, some of your duties will require you to independently manage multiple complex work assignments with minimal oversight and review. Assignments may ...

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:

Senior Systems Administrator

Aurora, CO · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

RESPONSIBILITIES The Senior Systems Administrator is expected to be able to accomplish the following: * Monitors and manages system resources, including CPU usage, disk usage, and response times to ...

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 ...

What you will do As a Senior Systems Administrator, some of your duties will require you to independently manage multiple complex work assignments with minimal oversight and review. Assignments may ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$92K - $125K/yr

Senior Systems Administrator Location: Irvine, CA - Onsite *Duration: 12+ Months * The Senior Systems Administrator is a senior technical role focused on the successful execution of complex data ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Systems Administrator information

See salary details

$49K

$102.2K

$143.5K

How much do senior systems administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior systems administrator in the United States is $102,229.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $116,500.00 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.

What cities are hiring for Senior Systems Administrator jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Systems Administrator job openings:

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

The most popular types of Systems Administrator jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Systems Administrator jobs?

The top employers for Senior Systems Administrator jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Systems Administrator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Systems Administrator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Senior Systems Administrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,229 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Senior Systems Administrator

Private Label Staff

Tallahassee, FL • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

The Senior Systems Administrator is responsible for the administration, maintenance, security, and performance of the enterprise server infrastructure. This position provides advanced technical support for Windows and virtual server environments, Active Directory services, enterprise storage, backup and recovery, and cloud-integrated infrastructure. The Senior Systems Administrator serves as a technical lead on infrastructure initiatives, supports critical transportation applications, and ensures high availability, security, and operational excellence across enterprise systems.


Key Responsibilities

  • Administer and maintain enterprise Windows Server environments.
  • Install, configure, monitor, and support physical and virtual server infrastructure.
  • Manage Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and identity services.
  • Administer VMware vSphere and virtual infrastructure.
  • Support Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 cloud services.
  • Perform operating system upgrades, patch management, and security remediation.
  • Monitor system performance, availability, and capacity using enterprise monitoring tools.
  • Troubleshoot complex server, storage, virtualization, and operating system issues.
  • Maintain enterprise backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity solutions.
  • Implement and maintain cybersecurity best practices in accordance with State of Florida and FDOT standards.
  • Develop PowerShell and other automation scripts to streamline administration and operational tasks.
  • Coordinate server builds, migrations, upgrades, and infrastructure refresh projects.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, architecture diagrams, and standard operating procedures.
  • Collaborate with network engineers, database administrators, cloud engineers, application teams, and cybersecurity personnel.
  • Participate in scheduled maintenance windows and provide after-hours support as required.
  • Mentor junior administrators and provide technical leadership on infrastructure initiatives.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Seven (7) or more years of enterprise systems administration experience.
  • Experience administering Windows Server 2016, 2019, and/or 2022.
  • Experience with Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and Microsoft identity services.
  • Experience supporting VMware vSphere or similar virtualization platforms.
  • Experience with Microsoft Azure infrastructure and cloud administration.
  • Experience with enterprise backup and disaster recovery solutions.
  • Experience with PowerShell scripting and infrastructure automation.
  • Strong understanding of server security hardening, vulnerability remediation, and patch management.
  • Experience supporting highly available enterprise environments.
  • Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate.
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate.
  • VMware Certified Professional (VCP).
  • CompTIA Security+ or equivalent security certification.
  • Experience supporting enterprise storage technologies (SAN/NAS).
  • Experience with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM/SCCM).
  • Experience with Microsoft Intune.
  • Experience administering Microsoft SQL Server environments.
  • Experience with Azure Active Directory (Microsoft Entra ID).
  • Experience supporting hybrid cloud environments.
  • Familiarity with ITIL service management processes.
  • Experience working within state government or large public-sector organizations.


Technical Skills

  • Windows Server Administration
  • Active Directory
  • Group Policy
  • DNS / DHCP
  • VMware vSphere
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Microsoft 365
  • PowerShell
  • Hyper-V
  • Storage Area Networks (SAN)
  • Backup & Recovery
  • Disaster Recovery
  • Microsoft Entra ID
  • SCCM / MECM
  • Intune
  • Windows Failover Clustering
  • Server Monitoring & Performance Tuning
  • Security Hardening
  • Vulnerability Management
  • Enterprise Infrastructure Support


Desired Competencies

  • Advanced problem-solving and troubleshooting
  • Infrastructure architecture knowledge
  • Technical leadership
  • Customer service orientation
  • Strong documentation skills
  • Project coordination
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Team collaboration
  • Continuous improvement mindset