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System Administration Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Envisioneering

System Administrator

Washington, DC · On-site

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

ECS

System Administrator - Senior

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Lead the administration and maintenance of enterprise servers, ensuring high availability and performance. * Oversee patch management processes to maintain system security and compliance. * Manage ...

Redhorse Corporation

System Administrator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Sponsor System Administration: 2+ years of experience in system administration of Sponsor Systems. * IC Development: 3+ years of experience in the design, development, and deployment of applications ...

Redhorse Corporation

System Administrator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Sponsor System Administration: 2+ years of experience in system administration of Sponsor Systems. * IC Development: 3+ years of experience in the design, development, and deployment of applications ...

Redhorse Corporation

System Administrator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Sponsor System Administration: 2+ years of experience in system administration of Sponsor Systems. * IC Development: 3+ years of experience in the design, development, and deployment of applications ...

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All JobsSystem Administration JobsSystem Administration Jobs in Reston, VA

System Administration information

See Reston, VA salary details

$42.7K

$92.7K

$143.3K

How much do system administration jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for system administration in Reston, VA is $92,686.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $108,400.00 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.

What is the job of a system administrator?

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

What is a typical sysadmin salary?

A system administrator's salary varies based on experience, location, and certifications, but generally ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually in many regions. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced sysadmins with skills in scripting, networking, and security can earn higher salaries or additional benefits.

Will sysadmin be replaced by AI?

System administrators perform complex tasks such as configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting IT infrastructure, which currently require human judgment and problem-solving skills. While AI and automation tools can handle routine tasks, they are unlikely to fully replace sysadmins in managing complex systems and making strategic decisions in the foreseeable future.

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.

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 jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

System administrators can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as CompTIA or Cisco. High-paying roles often require strong technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and sometimes working in high-demand industries or environments, but a formal degree is not always mandatory for top-tier compensation.
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:
System Administration jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Administration job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,686 per year, or $44.6 per hour.
Linux System Administrator

Linux System Administrator

Altamira Technologies Corp.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Linux System Administrator
Altamira Technologies has a long and successful history providing innovative solutions throughout the U.S. National Security community. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Altamira serves the defense, intelligence, and homeland security communities worldwide by focusing on creating innovative solutions leveraging common standards in architecture, data and security. Altamira believes that our people and the culture of our company differentiate us from other companies.
We focus on recruiting talented, self-motivated employees that strive to find a way to get things done. Join our team of experts as we engineer national security! 
Description: Candidates will work in a Linux environment for a Cross Domain Solution (CDS), contributing to its sustainment and evolution. This position requires the application of expertise on multiple complex scripting, development, and work-around assignments that may be broad in nature and require originality and innovation in determining how to accomplish tasks. Qualified candidates will have appreciable latitude in developing methodology, presenting solutions to problems, and contributing to deliverables. 
Location: Chantilly, VA
The Role: Altamira requires Linux system administration support for the development, testing, deployment, operation, and maintenance of various mission-critical applications and services. A primary focus of this position is to provide system administration, configuration, and support tools to maintain and monitor the health of a large data transfer and message processing infrastructure. While the software development team is responsible for the development and customization of the applications, our client requires administration and enhancement of a data metrics collection and dashboarding system to allow simplified operator supervision of the performance of the overall system. Additional tasks include assisting with SNMP monitoring and data metrics collection in a diverse architecture. 

Skills: Linux system administration experience conducting system virtualization, user account management, application update repository maintenance, experience in the creation and management of Ansible playbooks for the automation of tasks, maintenance and usage of Git repositories, and version control. Eagerness to learn and contribute to the overall enhancement of the existing tasks for the maintenance of the system and support applications.

Top Skills:  

  • Red Hat Linux 7/8/9 
  • Ansible 
  • Git version control 
  • Docker 
  • Python and Bash scripting 
  • Experience with virtualization technologies such VMWare ESXi and ProxMox 
Additional Skills and Qualifications: TS/SCI with CI Poly Needed! Active monitoring and sustaining the operations of geographically distributed Linux-based applications to meet service-level agreements. This is to include patching, troubleshooting, debugging, and the creation of workaround solutions. Incident response management for the CDS solutions. Interface with federal personnel to communicate SLA metrics and remediation of incidents. Scripting and possible software development to automate Operations and Maintenance. Potential development of sensors to accelerate the detection of failed systems. Development of documentation for operations, sustainment, and user guides.