Systems administrators keep the technology organizations depend on secure, reliable, and running smoothly. They manage servers, operating systems, networks, cloud platforms, and user access while responding to issues and planning for future infrastructure needs. Explore vetted Systems Administrator opportunities on Ladders, including roles with compensation of $100,000 or more.
Responsibilities vary by company and infrastructure, but commonly include configuring and maintaining servers and operating systems, monitoring performance and availability, managing backups and disaster recovery, applying security patches, troubleshooting technical incidents, and supporting identity and access management. Systems administrators may also automate routine tasks, document procedures, coordinate vendors, and collaborate with security, networking, and software teams.
Employers often seek experience with Windows Server or Linux, virtualization, networking fundamentals, scripting, cloud services, endpoint management, and security best practices. Familiarity with platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud can be valuable, as can skills in PowerShell, Python, or Bash. Clear communication, methodical troubleshooting, and the ability to prioritize work are important in roles that support business-critical systems.
With experience, systems administrators may advance into senior or lead administrator roles, infrastructure engineering, cloud administration, DevOps, cybersecurity, or IT management. Specializing in areas such as cloud operations, automation, identity management, or enterprise security can help professionals pursue opportunities aligned with their strengths and career goals.
Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more. Browse Systems Administrator listings to discover roles by seniority, location, and specialization, and find positions that match your infrastructure experience and compensation goals. Job requirements and pay vary by employer and location.
Digital Workplace Platform Administrator
$88K - $102K *
Transform the future of AI operations by managing enterprise AI systems, ensuring seamless integrations, and optimizing performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance reliability and...
Today
System Engineer (in office & remote)
$85K - $100K *
Champion innovative solutions as a System Engineer, driving client success through technology implementation and project management. Collaborate with teams to deliver projects on time and enhance clie...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $180K *
Join us to lead our accounting operations, ensuring accuracy and scalability. Drive financial reporting, audits, and team development while applying your technical expertise in a dynamic, multi-channe...
3 weeks ago
Service Delivery Manager - Infrastructure Operations, Workload Automation & Incident Response?
$110K - $130K *
Drive operational excellence by leading infrastructure and workload automation services. Oversee incident response and service delivery, ensuring high performance and reliability across diverse techno...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Develop and optimize secure, database-driven web applications using Oracle APEX and ORDS. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver high-performance solutions that support cancer registry goals, ensuri...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Contribute to the management of systems operations, ensuring secure data exchange and effective integration across applications. Collaborate with clinical staff to enhance workflow and resolve technic...
3 weeks ago
$181K - $226K *
Join our dynamic team as a Software Engineer, where you'll enhance internal tools, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive improvements in cloud infrastructure and observability, all while working in...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in enhancing organizational security by developing security frameworks, assessing controls, and collaborating with technical teams to create a resilient security architecture for moder...
Reposted 1 week ago
$148K - $263K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing innovative ServiceNow solutions, enhancing system performance, and ensuring compliance with federal security frameworks while collaborating with stakeholders...
2 weeks ago
Mainframe Systems Programmer - Network
$65K - $126K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing mainframe network systems. Leverage your expertise in planning, installing, and maintaining software while ensuring system performance and reliability. Colla...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $137K *
Unlock your potential as you drive secure automation for cloud migrations, developing infrastructure as code and CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate with teams to enhance processes and ensure compliance whil...
6 days ago
Senior Optical Transport Implementation Engineer - Pub Sec
$93K - $124K *
Unlock potential by joining a team focused on advanced Tier II support for network devices in a fiber optic transport network, ensuring operational excellence and 100% service availability across mult...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer - Research Infrastructure & Lab Platforms - Government Customer
$120K - $140K *
Unlock potential by architecting and enhancing next-gen research platforms, driving automation and reliability to provide researchers with cutting-edge tools. Collaborate in a dynamic environment brid...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$100K - $150K *
Optimize enterprise work-management tools by configuring and supporting Atlassian environments. Collaborate with teams to enhance usability, troubleshoot issues, and ensure effective onboarding while...
2 days ago
$75K - $100K *
Innovate user experiences by managing and enhancing the Salesforce platform. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into effective solutions, ensuring data quality and user adoption...
1 week ago
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Engineer, where you'll design and implement secure communication solutions for classified environments, ensuring compliance with DoD cybersecuri...
6 days ago
$83K - $124K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of CI/CD pipelines, enhancing software delivery and operational stability for enterprise applications while collaborating with cross-functiona...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform identity and access management by executing daily operations, supporting AI tooling, and managing SaaS vendor administration. This role offers hands-on experience and a clear growth path tow...
3 weeks ago
Senior Analyst-Global Operations and Automation
$88K - $105K *
Transform global operations by supporting Power Automate workflows, enhancing collaboration with regional teams, and driving continuous improvement in automation processes to optimize efficiency and e...
2 days ago
Operations and Maintenance Technician - Azure Landing Zone & Azure Virtual Desktop
$102K - $154K *
Explore diverse opportunities as you support Azure Landing Zone and Virtual Desktop operations, ensuring optimal performance and stability while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive inno...
6 days ago
$120K - $170K *
Shape the future of enterprise infrastructure by leading design, implementation, and optimization of systems. Drive automation, enhance security, and mentor junior staff while collaborating on strateg...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Drive the administration and enhancement of Nagios XI monitoring systems, ensuring optimal performance and coverage across diverse environments. Collaborate with IT teams to identify gaps and implemen...
1 week ago
$75K - $127K *
Transform software solutions by developing, analyzing, and optimizing applications. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency and deliver innovative technology for diverse industries in...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your career by managing and optimizing enterprise-level SQL Server and Azure databases. Oversee database administration, performance tuning, security, and disaster recovery while collaborating...
3 days ago
Security & Infrastructure Architect
$104K - $156K *
Drive security architecture across AWS and Azure, ensuring secure configurations and compliance. Collaborate with teams to implement standards, review designs, and maintain documentation as the cloud...
2 days ago
What does a Systems Administrator do?
A Systems Administrator maintains and supports an organization’s IT systems, including servers, operating systems, cloud resources, networks, backups, and access controls. The role often includes troubleshooting incidents, improving reliability, and implementing security updates.
What skills are commonly required for Systems Administrator jobs?
Commonly requested skills include Windows Server or Linux administration, networking, virtualization, cloud platforms, scripting, monitoring, backup and recovery, and security fundamentals. Requirements vary by employer and the systems in use.
Do Systems Administrators need certifications?
Certifications are not required for every position, but credentials in areas such as cloud platforms, operating systems, networking, or security may help demonstrate relevant expertise. Employers may prioritize hands-on experience and role-specific skills.
Can Systems Administrators work in cloud computing?
Yes. Many Systems Administrator roles include managing cloud infrastructure, services, identity, monitoring, and deployment workflows. Experience with AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud may be useful, depending on the employer.
How can a Systems Administrator advance their career?
Career growth may include moving into senior administration, infrastructure engineering, cloud operations, DevOps, cybersecurity, or IT leadership. Building expertise in automation, cloud architecture, or security can support these transitions.
How do I find Systems Administrator jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse Systems Administrator listings on Ladders, which focuses on vetted professional jobs with compensation of $100,000 or more. Compare role requirements, seniority, location, and specialization; pay and eligibility vary by listing.