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System Administration Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Senior System Administrator Alexandria, VA Leidos is hiring a Senior System Administrator to ... The selected candidate will provide system administration for Red Hat environments, perform daily ...

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Description Senior System Administrator Alexandria, VA Leidos is hiring a Senior System ... The selected candidate will provide system administration for Red Hat environments, perform daily ...

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System Administration: Install, update, and troubleshoot systems/servers Conduct functional and connectivity testing to ensure continuing operability. Develop and document systems administration ...

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System Administration information

See Reston, VA salary details

$42.7K

$92.5K

$143.1K

How much do system administration jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for system administration in Reston, VA is $92,516.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,800.00 and $108,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a System Administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a System Administrator, you need a solid understanding of operating systems, networking, and server management, typically supported by a degree in IT or related certifications like CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified: Windows Server. Familiarity with tools such as Active Directory, virtualization platforms, and monitoring software is crucial. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the reliability, security, and efficiency of IT infrastructure, which is vital for organizational productivity and data protection.

Do sys admins make good money?

System administrators typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced sys admins with skills in scripting, networking, and security can command higher pay, especially in enterprise environments.

What is system administration?

System administration is the process of managing, maintaining, and supporting computer systems and servers within an organization. System administrators (sysadmins) are responsible for tasks such as installing and updating software, managing user accounts, ensuring security, monitoring system performance, and troubleshooting issues. Their work ensures that IT infrastructure runs efficiently, securely, and with minimal downtime. Sysadmins often handle both hardware and software components, supporting business operations and user needs.

Is system admin a high paying job?

System administration is generally considered a well-paying IT role, with salaries varying based on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions typically start lower, but experienced system administrators with skills in networking, scripting, and security can earn competitive salaries, especially in high-demand markets.

What are some common challenges faced by system administrators, and how can they be addressed in a professional setting?

System administrators often face challenges such as managing multiple systems across different environments, troubleshooting unexpected outages, and ensuring security compliance. To address these, many organizations encourage proactive system monitoring, thorough documentation, and regular training on new technologies. Collaborating closely with IT teams and end-users also helps identify issues early and implement best practices, creating a more resilient and efficient IT infrastructure.

What is the difference between System Administration vs Network Administration?

AspectSystem AdministrationNetwork Administration
CertificationsCompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server FundamentalsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentManaging servers, operating systems, and hardwareConfiguring and maintaining network infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments across various industries, focusing on servers and systemsOrganizations with complex networks, telecom, and internet providers

While both roles involve maintaining IT infrastructure, System Administrators focus on servers and operating systems, whereas Network Administrators specialize in network hardware and connectivity. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within IT.

What is the job of a systems administrator?

A systems administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining an organization’s computer systems, servers, and networks to ensure they run efficiently and securely. They install, configure, monitor, and troubleshoot hardware and software, often using tools like command-line interfaces and management consoles. Certifications such as CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) can enhance their qualifications.

Will AI replace sysadmin jobs?

AI can automate certain tasks in system administration, such as monitoring, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance, but it is unlikely to fully replace sysadmins. Human oversight remains essential for complex problem-solving, security, and system design, making sysadmin roles evolving rather than disappearing. Skills in scripting, automation tools, and cybersecurity are increasingly valuable for sysadmins working alongside AI technologies.
What are the most commonly searched types of System Administration jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of System Administration jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to System Administration jobs in Reston, VA? For System Administration jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching System Administration jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for System Administration jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for System Administration jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most System Administration job openings:
Infographic showing various System Administration job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,516 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

System Administration Team Lead Senior Manager

Accenture Federal Services

Arlington, VA • On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago


Accenture Federal Services rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 481 rated business services


Job description

Job Description

The System Administration Team Lead Senior Manager is responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, and security of the platform infrastructure. They will perform hands-on system administration tasks, including managing user accounts, permissions, and system configurations in accordance with established operational policies. They will also implement and maintain system monitoring tools, configure and manage backup and recovery systems, and automate routine administrative tasks using scripting and automation tools.

The Work:

  • Conduct regular system health checks, apply system updates and patches to mitigate vulnerabilities, and serve as a primary point of contact for troubleshooting hardware and software issues
  • Will maintain system documentation, monitor system logs for performance and security anomalies, and participate in on-call rotations to ensure 24/7 platform availability

What You Need:

  • Candidates must meet one of the following three areas:
    1. Advanced Degree:
      • Master's degree or Ph.D. in one of the following fields: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, or Software Engineering.
    2. Equivalent Training:
      Completion of one of the following accepted training programs: 
      • M0923W1
      • A-102-5888
      • A-102-5599 (SNOOP)
      • C-150-1401
      • W-150-4575
      • S-250-1095
      • A-531-0022
      • A-531-0009
      • A-531-0045
      • A-113-0381
      • A-113-0381
      • A-113-0342
      • A-121-0594 (P/L)
      • A-104-0084
      • A-150-4219 (P/L)
      • A-150-9020 (P/L)
      • C-531-0038
    3. Professional Certification:
      Holding one of these certifications:
      • SecurityX / CASP+
      • CCNP Security
      • CCSP
      • FITSP-O
      • GFACT
  • 10+ years of system administration, infrastructure operations, or enterprise IT support experience.
  • Expert knowledge of enterprise system administration, automation, server operations, endpoint management, and infrastructure support.
    Experience with one or more of the following:
    1. Leading system administration teams supporting complex enterprise or mission-critical environments.
    2. Administering Windows, Linux, virtualized, cloud-hosted, or hybrid infrastructure environments.
    3. Supporting server build, configuration, patching, hardening, monitoring, backup, recovery, and lifecycle management.
      Experience with automation, scripting, configuration management, and repeatable operational processes.
    4. Supporting identity, access, endpoint, storage, network, monitoring, and operational tools.
    5. Working with cybersecurity, network, cloud, application, service desk, and operations teams
    6. Supporting federal, regulated, or security-sensitive environments is required
  • Ability to serve as the senior system administration lead and escalation point for complex infrastructure and operational issues

Bonus Points If:

  • Must meet applicable DoD requirements.
  • Experience with Windows Server, Linux/Unix, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, file services, print services, and enterprise infrastructure services.
  • Experience with virtualization and cloud-hosted infrastructure such as VMware, Hyper-V, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.
  • Experience with automation and scripting tools such as PowerShell, Bash, Python, Ansible, SCCM/MECM, Intune, or similar tools.
  • Experience supporting patch management, vulnerability remediation, endpoint compliance, STIG compliance, and secure configuration baselines.
  • Experience with monitoring, logging, and operational tools such as ServiceNow, Splunk, SolarWinds, SCOM, Tanium, or similar platforms.
  • Experience supporting backup, recovery, disaster recovery, high availability, and operational resiliency.
  • Experience supporting ATO, audit readiness, POA&M remediation, security control evidence, and federal compliance requirements.
  • Experience developing SOPs, runbooks, operational reports, dashboards, technical documentation, and executive-level status updates.
  • Strong troubleshooting, analytical, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills.
  • Ability to mentor system administrators and provide technical direction to delivery teams.

Security Clearance:

  • Active Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI, or TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance required, depending on position 

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