Technology
A systems administrator installs, configures and maintains servers, operating systems, identity systems and related services. The role matters because dependable infrastructure, timely patching and tested backups keep a company’s applications available and secure.
Median pay
$99,130a year
Network and computer systems administrators, U.S. BLS, May 2025
The role
Companies hire one when servers and user accounts need dedicated care, a migration or upgrade is planned, or an overloaded generalist is the only IT resource.
Typical responsibilities
Core skills
Tools and systems
Related titles
Typical background
Typically 3 to 7 years administering servers and networks, with certifications such as Microsoft, Red Hat or CompTIA Server+.
At a glance
The essentials for planning the hire: level, background, how you can hire and what the role typically pays.
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FAQ
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A systems administrator installs, configures and maintains servers, operating systems, identity systems and related services. The role matters because dependable infrastructure, timely patching and tested backups keep a company’s applications available and secure. Typical responsibilities include: install, configure and patch servers and operating systems; manage user accounts, groups and permissions in directory services; monitor system health, capacity and uptime and resolve incidents.
Look for windows Server, linux administration, active Directory, powerShell scripting, virtualization and backup and recovery. Experience with VMware vSphere, Microsoft Entra ID, Veeam, Ansible and PowerShell is common in this role.
Yes. A systems administrator is one of the roles employers most often hire on contract, for projects, busy periods, leave cover and vacancies. Contract-to-hire is also an option if you want to work together before making a permanent offer.
A systems administrator manages servers, identity, patching and backups, on-premises or in the cloud. A cloud engineer designs and automates cloud infrastructure with code. Hire an administrator to run what you have, and a cloud engineer to build or migrate to cloud platforms.
Match your environment. Windows-focused shops need Active Directory, Group Policy and Microsoft 365 experience, while Linux environments need shell scripting, package management and web or database server skills. Mixed environments are common, so confirm depth in each platform.
Related roles
Every role in the practice is recruited by the same specialist team.
