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What is a systems administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.
introduction image

A systems administrator is responsible for maintaining the network, servers, and computer systems in an organization. They ensure that the technology infrastructure is functioning optimally and troubleshoot any issues that arise. They may also be responsible for managing user accounts, ensuring data security, and implementing software updates. Additionally, they may monitor system performance and capacity planning. A systems administrator plays a critical role in ensuring that an organization's technology is efficient, secure, and reliable.

What general advice would you give to a Systems Administrator?

Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.

Director of Graduate Studies for the Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Assistant Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington

Look for a job that you would enjoy doing, even if it takes some time to find such a position. Internships are great to explore various options.
ScoreSystems AdministratorUS Average
Salary
6.0

Avg. Salary $77,156

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.7

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 11.52%

Black or African American 8.58%

Hispanic or Latino 12.28%

Unknown 5.06%

White 62.24%

Gender

female 16.05%

male 83.95%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress Level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.7

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.1

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Systems Administrator?

Pros

  • Job security

  • High demand

  • Good salary and benefits

  • Constant learning and skill development

  • Chance to solve complex problems

  • Flexibility in work schedule

Cons

  • Constant need to stay updated on new technology trends

  • Heavy workload and tight deadlines

  • Need to balance technical skills with strong communication skills

  • Potential for monotony or boredom in some tasks

  • Limited opportunities for creativity or innovation in some roles.

Systems Administrator career paths

Key steps to become a systems administrator

  1. Explore systems administrator education requirements

    Most common systems administrator degrees

    Bachelor's

    60.2 %

    Associate

    23.9 %

    Master's

    8.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific systems administrator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Linux7.39%
    Troubleshoot7.16%
    Windows Server6.32%
    Database4.69%
    Technical Support4.04%
  3. Complete relevant systems administrator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New systems administrators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a systems administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real systems administrator resumes.
  4. Gain additional systems administrator certifications

    Systems administrator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific systems administrator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for systems administrators include Network 5 Certification and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research systems administrator duties and responsibilities

    • Used Jenkins to automate most of the build relate tasks.
    • Manage windows file servers, messaging, and SQL databases.
    • Lead the project which integrate internal DNS into the corporate LDAP infrastructure for end user host management prior to deployment.
    • Lead business-critical information security initiatives involving encryption of customer data.
  6. Prepare your systems administrator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your systems administrator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a systems administrator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Systems Administrator Resume templates

    Build a professional Systems Administrator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Systems Administrator resume.
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  7. Apply for systems administrator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a systems administrator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Systems Administrator Job

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Average systems administrator salary

The average Systems Administrator salary in the United States is $77,156 per year or $37 per hour. Systems administrator salaries range between $59,000 and $100,000 per year.

Average Systems Administrator Salary
$77,156 Yearly
$37.09 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do systems administrators rate their job?

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Systems Administrator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2022
Pros

Working with The people

Cons

There was nothing to like. Everyone was polite an hard workers


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

Different approach of solving problem in hardware and software.

Cons

User is not available for investigation how hardware and software had problem.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

I like working with a operating systems like Windows or Linux and networks.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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