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.
$95K - $115K *
Lead technology operations across multiple offices, ensuring reliable systems and support. Collaborate with local IT staff and corporate teams to enhance infrastructure, security, and user experience...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Drive technology excellence as a Senior Systems Administrator, overseeing IT operations across multiple offices. Collaborate with local and corporate teams to ensure reliable, secure systems while enh...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower a dynamic IT environment by leading technology operations across multiple offices. Collaborate with local and corporate teams to ensure reliable, secure systems while providing hands-on suppor...
2 weeks ago
Systems/Network Administrator Lead
$140K - $175K *
Transform enterprise network operations by leading a dedicated team to ensure optimal performance, security, and recovery for critical military systems. Drive incident response and maintain high servi...
3 weeks ago
Network/System Administrator Lead
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's leading enterprise systems administration and network operations. Oversee performance, outage response, and recovery efforts while ensuring compliance and security across diverse pl...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate your career by engineering and optimizing Linux server solutions in mission-critical environments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance system performance and security while sup...
3 weeks ago
Cyber Systems Administrator - Level 3 (Secret Clearance)
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in advanced system administration and infrastructure optimization, ensuring mission-critical systems operate seamlessly. Collaborate with teams to enhance cybersecurity compliance and...
3 weeks ago
1849 - Linux Systems Administrator - Onsite - Top Secret Clearance Required - Bonus Eligible
$100K - $130K *
Optimize your career as a Linux Systems Administrator, providing essential IT solutions in a dynamic government software hosting environment, ensuring system integrity and user support while embracing...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $160K *
Join a team that's modernizing mission-critical DoD infrastructure and applications. Leverage your extensive systems engineering expertise to drive innovative solutions, collaborate with stakeholders...
2 weeks ago
Systems/Network Administrator - Azure
$113K - $138K *
Unlock potential by managing Azure environments and supporting Army training initiatives. Collaborate with teams to ensure secure, efficient cloud operations while overseeing hardware and software con...
2 weeks ago
Computer Systems Analyst (CMMS) (Cleared Only)
$100K *
Optimize maintenance operations by leading the administration and configuration of the CMMS. Ensure data integrity, manage workflows, and generate reports to enhance decision-making and asset manageme...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Optimize system performance by leveraging your expertise in Windows administration. Collaborate with a dynamic team to troubleshoot, deploy, and support desktop environments while ensuring seamless op...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive your career with a pivotal role in managing and optimizing ERP systems, ensuring stability and security while supporting critical business operations across payroll, benefits, and HR functions...
1 week ago
$92K - $129K *
Elevate your career by managing and optimizing our server infrastructure, ensuring security and performance. Leverage your expertise to lead initiatives and support critical IT operations in a dynamic...
Reposted 2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in optimizing IT infrastructure management, ensuring security and performance across diverse environments. Collaborate with teams to resolve issues and maintain documentation while pro...
3 days ago
System Administrator - Secret Clearance Required
$72K - $97K *
Champion IT operations by maintaining and optimizing systems, ensuring security and performance. Collaborate with teams to resolve incidents and enhance infrastructure in a dynamic environment, suppor...
Yesterday
$115K - $135K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing network systems and enhancing security. As a Windows Systems Engineer SME, you'll lead technical support efforts, collaborate with experts, and ensure effici...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative solutions for radio communication systems, ensuring stability and performance across all platforms. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational capabil...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Windows Systems Administrator - TS/SCI
$98K - $148K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing classified systems through expert Windows administration, ensuring compliance and reliability while collaborating across disciplines to support critical gover...
Yesterday
$160K - $200K *
Optimize database performance and security by managing Microsoft SQL Server environments. Collaborate with IT teams to implement modern technologies and ensure compliance, while providing high availab...
3 weeks ago
Linux System Administrator - Prime Contract
$120K - $240K *
Unlock your potential as you collaborate with teams to enhance system architecture, manage critical Linux environments, and drive innovative solutions for long-term success in a dynamic technical land...
2 days ago
Linux System Administrator - Prime Contract
$120K - $240K *
Unlock potential by leading Linux system administration efforts, enhancing architecture, and translating requirements into scalable solutions while fostering customer relationships and collaborating w...
2 days ago
Integrated Systems Technician IV
$85K - $90K *
Transform technical support for advanced C2AFL systems through installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in a collaborative environment with governme...
Yesterday
Dashboard Administrator (Junior)
$61K - $122K *
Contribute to operational excellence by supporting dashboard development, data collection, and reporting for IT operations. Collaborate with teams to ensure accurate metrics and insights, enhancing de...
3 weeks ago
$82K - $86K *
Oversee daily operations of mission-critical data center systems, ensuring optimal performance and compliance. Collaborate on maintenance, incident reporting, and procedure development to achieve 100...
1 week 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.