1

System Administrator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

System Administrator

Schaumburg, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $130K/yr

This role ensures data resilience, operational compliance, and instant system recovery from system failures or cyber threats. This position will also administer Central's Red Hat Linux environment by ...

System Administrator

Schaumburg, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $130K/yr

This role ensures data resilience, operational compliance, and instant system recovery from system failures or cyber threats. This position will also administer Central's Red Hat Linux environment by ...

System Administrator

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The System Administrator will serve as an integral member of the infrastructure management and support team, with a primary focus on Windows servers, backup solutions, Microsoft 365 (O365), and ...

System Administrator

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The System Administrator will serve as an integral member of the infrastructure management and support team, with a primary focus on Windows servers, backup solutions, Microsoft 365 (O365), and ...

Position Summary The System Administrator / Network & Help Desk Engineer is responsible for maintaining, supporting, and optimizing the organization's IT infrastructure, including virtualization ...

System Administrator

Schaumburg, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $130K/yr

This role ensures data resilience, operational compliance, and instant system recovery from system failures or cyber threats. This position will also administer Central's Red Hat Linux environment by ...

System Administrator

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

System Administrator Location: Wheeling, IL (Chicagoland area) About George J. Priester Aviation George J. Priester Aviation is a premier aviation services company providing comprehensive aircraft ...

Position Summary The System Administrator / Network & Help Desk Engineer is responsible for maintaining, supporting, and optimizing the organization's IT infrastructure, including virtualization ...

System Administrator

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Description The System Administrator will serve as an integral member of the infrastructure management and support team, with a primary focus on Windows servers, backup solutions, Microsoft 365 (O365 ...

Systems Administrator Location: Homewood, IL Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 Employment Type: Full-Time About the Role Are you a proactive problem-solver with a passion for infrastructure and systems ...

System Administrator I

Homewood, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Systems Administrator Location: Homewood, IL Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 Employment Type: Full-Time About the Role Are you a proactive problem-solver with a passion for infrastructure and systems ...

ServiceNow System Administrator Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Are you a ServiceNow expert who enjoys optimizing systems and solving technical challenges? Join ...

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 ...

ServiceNow System Administrator Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Are you a ServiceNow expert who enjoys optimizing systems and solving technical challenges? Join ...

Administrative and operational server support, project support; incident, change and problem management implementation & resolution, operating system security management, installation, configuration ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

System Administrator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$42.3K

$91.7K

$141.8K

How much do system administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for system administrator in Chicago, IL is $91,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $107,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a system administrator?

System Administrators, often called sysadmins, are IT professionals responsible for installing, configuring, maintaining, and supporting computer systems and servers within an organization. They ensure that networks and systems run efficiently and securely, manage user accounts, oversee backups, and troubleshoot hardware and software issues. System Administrators play a key role in maintaining system uptime, implementing security protocols, and updating systems to prevent vulnerabilities. Their work is critical for the smooth and secure operation of a company's IT infrastructure.

What does a system administrator do?

The job of a System Administrator is to assume a range of IT responsibilities and technical services for your company’s internet and intranet presence. This will include such duties as installing anti-virus and malware protection software, undertaking regular systems maintenance, and troubleshooting problems. Additional duties can include serving as a digital technology information resource for employees and consulting with company leaders on the possible adoption of new technologies. Aside from this, you might be asked to evaluate and boost network system performance, make needed upgrades and repairs, and add approved users to the network and train them in proper usage.

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 computer networks, operating systems (Windows, Linux), and troubleshooting, often backed by a degree in IT or related certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate. Familiarity with tools such as Active Directory, virtualization platforms, backup solutions, and monitoring systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you manage incidents and work with diverse teams. These abilities ensure reliable system performance, minimize downtime, and support seamless business operations.

What are some common challenges system administrators face when managing a large IT infrastructure, and how can these be addressed?

System Administrators often encounter challenges such as ensuring system security, managing software updates across numerous devices, and troubleshooting network issues in large-scale environments. Keeping up with rapidly evolving technology and balancing routine maintenance with unexpected incidents can be demanding. Effective solutions include automating repetitive tasks, implementing robust monitoring tools, and regularly communicating with other IT team members to proactively address potential problems. Continuous learning and staying current with best practices in cybersecurity and system management are also essential for long-term success in this role.

What is the difference between System Administrator vs Network Administrator?

AspectSystem AdministratorNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server FundamentalsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentManage servers, operating systems, and internal IT infrastructureFocus on network hardware, configurations, and connectivity
ResponsibilitiesMaintain servers, troubleshoot OS issues, manage backupsConfigure routers/switches, monitor network performance, ensure security

While both roles support IT infrastructure, System Administrators primarily manage servers and operating systems, whereas Network Administrators focus on network hardware and connectivity. They often collaborate but have distinct technical focuses within an organization.

How much do system administrators make?

System administrators typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced administrators with specialized skills or certifications like CompTIA or Cisco can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary based on the size and industry of the organization.

How much is the salary of a system administrator?

The average salary of a system administrator varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 annually in the United States. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced administrators with certifications like CompTIA or Cisco can earn higher salaries, especially in larger organizations or tech hubs.

What are the most commonly searched types of System Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of System Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching System Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for System Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for System Administrator jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most System Administrator job openings:

Infographic showing various System Administrator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,680 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

System Administrator

Sonoma Consulting Inc.

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Sonoma Consulting is one of the fastest growing national IT Consulting and Executive Search company in the United States, which was founded in 2011 by Mark McGee, the President and CEO. Sonoma Consulting has two business divisions - IT Consulting Services & Executive Search to serve its 150 national clients which range from entrepreneurial start-ups to Global Fortune 500.

Job Description

Job Summary

  • Responsible for system administration, technical design, technical planning, configuration management and troubleshooting for advanced systems.
  • Must perform maintenance and administration of all hardware and software systems throughout the enterprise.
  • Forecast system demands, recommends expansion, upgrades and reconfiguration.
  • Documents standards and operating procedures for a large based systems.
Qualifications

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of directly related experience in system administration.
  • Previous experience creating large scale processes for rapidly growing infrastructure.
  • Strong experience with Active Directory, Windows Servers, VMware and Group Policy.
  • MCSA or MCITP are a plus.
  • Office 365 administration.

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or the equivalent combination of technical certifications and work experience.
Additional Information

Titles: System Admin, Network Admin, Admin, System Engineer

Skills : Active Directory, Group Policy, office 365, Windows, VMware


Sonoma Consult logo

About Sonoma Consult

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sonoma Consult is a California based C corporation helping companies bring products to the patient by working closely with the engineering teams and the clinicians. Our goal, no matter what stage of product development, is to create and execute a plan of action to move the product through the appropriate clinical and regulatory steps. Sonoma Consult works cohesively with the engineers and physicians to translate technologies to the clinic. Our goal is to help you get the very best product to the clinic and to the market. This includes planning, execution and ensuring critical data is delivered in the right format to ensure the feedback loop to the design team ultimately delivers the most advanced technology to the patient.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Sonoma, CA, US