1

Windows System Admin Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: System Admin Location: San Jose, CA Joining Mode: Contract to Hire - KEY ... SAN and NAS storage, ESX VMware, Microsoft Windows Server, Unix/Linux servers, Cloud Platform ...

... Windows 2008/2k8R2/2k12, VMWare, and Apache web services. * Report Security Patch compliance ... Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) preferred

MindSource is seeking a motivated Entry-Level System Administrator to support day-to-day ... Responsibilities : • Install, configure, and maintain Linux and Windows servers • Monitor ...

Description Building new systems and administering systems Exchange 2012, Citrix Xendesktop on VMware Hyper-V and ESX 99% windows server environment - version 2008 + up Pure storage Traditional NAS ...

Configure and maintain essential Windows server applications, including Domain Controllers (Active ... System Administrator in a professional IT environment, preferably within the manufacturing ...

Senior IT System Admin

Fremont, CA

$101K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proficient in Windows and Linux operating systems. * Extensive experience with Active Directory ... Azure Administrator Associate or similar. * CompTIA Security+ or equivalent. * VMware Certified ...

Senior IT System Admin

Fremont, CA · On-site

$94K - $127K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proficient in Windows and Linux operating systems. * Extensive experience with Active Directory ... Azure Administrator Associate or similar. • CompTIA Security+ or equivalent. • VMware Certified ...

Senior IT System Admin

Fremont, CA

$101K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proficient in Windows and Linux operating systems. * Extensive experience with Active Directory ... Azure Administrator Associate or similar. • CompTIA Security+ or equivalent. • VMware Certified ...

Showing results 21-40

Windows System Admin information

See California salary details

$53.3K

$94.7K

$128.8K

How much do windows system admin jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for windows system admin in California is $94,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $109,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Windows system admin?

Windows System Admins, or Windows System Administrators, are IT professionals responsible for managing, configuring, and maintaining Microsoft Windows-based servers and systems within an organization. Their duties include installing software, managing user accounts, ensuring system security, troubleshooting issues, and performing regular backups. They play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation, reliability, and security of an organization’s IT infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Windows system admin?

To thrive as a Windows System Admin, you need a solid understanding of Windows server environments, Active Directory, networking concepts, and typically a relevant degree or certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Fundamentals. Familiarity with tools like PowerShell, Hyper-V, System Center, and backup/restore systems is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in managing incidents, collaborating with teams, and supporting end users. These competencies are crucial for ensuring system reliability, security, and efficient IT operations in business environments.

What is the difference between Windows System Admin vs Network Administrator?

AspectWindows System AdminNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server FundamentalsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentManaging Windows servers, Active Directory, and system securityConfiguring and maintaining network infrastructure, routers, switches
Primary FocusServer and OS managementNetwork connectivity and infrastructure

While both roles involve IT infrastructure, Windows System Admins focus on managing Windows servers and related systems, whereas Network Administrators handle network hardware and connectivity. Both roles often collaborate but have distinct responsibilities within an organization's IT environment.

Do Windows System Admins make good money?

Windows System Administrators typically earn competitive salaries that vary by experience, location, and industry. They often require skills in managing Windows servers, Active Directory, and scripting, with certifications like Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) potentially increasing earning potential.

What are some common challenges Windows system admins face when managing large enterprise environments?

Windows System Administrators in large enterprise settings often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent configurations across multiple servers, ensuring security compliance, and managing software updates without disrupting business operations. They also need to troubleshoot complex issues that may arise due to the interaction of various applications and network components. Effective communication and collaboration with other IT teams, such as network and security specialists, are essential to address these challenges efficiently and maintain a stable IT infrastructure.

How much do Windows system administrators make?

Windows system administrators typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced professionals with certifications like MCSE can earn higher salaries, especially in enterprise environments with complex infrastructure. Salaries can also vary based on the size of the organization and specific job responsibilities.

What cities in California are hiring for Windows System Admin jobs?

Cities in California with the most Windows System Admin job openings:

Infographic showing various Windows System Admin job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,700 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Systems Administrator - Windows & Networking

Commserve Technologies Inc

San Diego, CA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Systems Administrator with strong Windows Server and Networking experience to support an enterprise IT environment. The ideal candidate will have solid experience administering Windows infrastructure, Active Directory, and core network services, along with strong troubleshooting and customer-facing skills.
Key Responsibilities
  • Install, configure, administer, and troubleshoot Windows Server environments.
  • Manage Active Directory (AD), Group Policy (GPO), user accounts, security groups, permissions, and access controls.
  • Perform server and system patching, upgrades, maintenance, backup, and disaster recovery activities.
  • Monitor, diagnose, and resolve network connectivity and infrastructure issues.
  • Troubleshoot TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching, and VPN connectivity.
  • Configure and troubleshoot network switches, VLANs, firewall rules, and network access.
  • Support installation, configuration, upgrades, and troubleshooting of enterprise applications, servers, and related hardware.
  • Perform root-cause troubleshooting across Windows, network, hardware, and application layers.
  • Use ServiceNow to log, track, triage, troubleshoot, and resolve incidents and service requests.
  • Follow established ITIL Incident, Change, and Problem Management processes.
  • Work directly with end users, infrastructure teams, vendors, and client stakeholders to resolve technical issues.
  • Maintain accurate technical documentation, troubleshooting procedures, and system/network configuration information.

Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of hands-on IT infrastructure experience, preferably in a Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, or Infrastructure Support role.
  • Strong hands-on experience with Windows Server administration.
  • Strong experience with Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and user/access administration.
  • Strong understanding of TCP/IP networking, subnetting, VLANs, routing, switching, firewalls, and VPNs.
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting network connectivity and infrastructure issues.
  • Experience with system patching, upgrades, backup, recovery, and infrastructure maintenance.
  • Working experience with ServiceNow for Incident, Request, Problem, and Change Management.
  • Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills with the ability to independently diagnose infrastructure issues.
  • Strong customer service and client-facing communication skills.
  • Strong technical documentation and written/verbal communication skills.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting a large enterprise IT environment.
  • Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, or equivalent infrastructure certifications are a plus.
  • Experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware or Hyper-V is a plus.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Ideal Candidate Profile
This role is best suited for a hands-on infrastructure engineer/administrator who can work across both Windows systems and networking. Candidates should be comfortable independently troubleshooting issues spanning servers, Active Directory, DNS/DHCP, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and end-user connectivity rather than specializing exclusively in one technology.