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.
$80K - $95K *
Analyze and optimize IT systems, providing Tier 1 and Tier 2 support. Manage daily operations, troubleshoot issues, and enhance system performance across various platforms, ensuring seamless functiona...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Analyze and maintain Linux-based high-performance computing systems, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for mission-critical operations in a national security context. Collaborate with teams...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Optimize mission operations by supporting and maintaining Linux-based high-performance computing systems. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot and enhance system performance on critical national sec...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock your potential by managing IT infrastructure, automating processes, and ensuring system security. Collaborate with teams to optimize deployments and troubleshoot issues, all while staying curre...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team seeking a System Administrator to manage IT infrastructure, automate processes, and ensure system security while collaborating with development teams to enhance de...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $90K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity for critical intelligence systems. You'll manage updates, troubleshoot complex issues, and ensure compliance, all while collaborating with exper...
2 weeks ago
$90K *
Develop and maintain IT infrastructure solutions, ensuring optimal performance and security. Collaborate with teams to implement software, provide training, and enhance systems, while driving innovati...
Today
$140K - $175K *
Support mission-critical systems by providing advanced technical assistance, troubleshooting, and administration across enterprise IT environments. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliability and per...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in enhancing IT systems for NASA programs, ensuring optimal performance and security across Windows, Linux, and cloud environments. Collaborate with technical teams to support infrastr...
2 weeks ago
System Administrator, VI (Virtual Infrastructure)
$140K - $150K *
Lead the charge in maintaining and securing a complex Virtual Machine Operating Environment, ensuring optimal performance and compliance across 300+ VMs while collaborating with cross-functional teams...
1 week ago
System Administrator, VI (Virtual Infrastructure)
$140K - $150K *
Manage and enhance the security and performance of a complex Virtual Machine Operating Environment, ensuring compliance and operational integrity across 300+ VMs while collaborating with cross-functio...
1 week ago
Systems Administrator Operations
$76K - $99K *
Contribute to the operational excellence of university systems by ensuring the reliability and performance of servers and data centers. Collaborate with a dedicated team to resolve technical issues an...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower secure enterprise environments by providing expert Windows systems administration, supporting Tier 2 and 3 troubleshooting, and managing system lifecycles in a classified setting...
4 weeks ago
System Administrator - Network
$105K - $120K *
Elevate your career by managing and optimizing complex network infrastructures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security, performance, and reliability while mentoring junior staff a...
Yesterday
Systems Administrator - Information Transport Service (ITS)
$105K - $150K *
Join a high-visibility team to support secure messaging and data transport systems for the DoD and Intelligence Community. Leverage your IT expertise to ensure seamless operations and compliance withi...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive the administration and security of Linux systems in a DoD environment, ensuring compliance and reliability. Manage daily operations, vulnerability remediation, and system patching while collabor...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring high availability and continuity of technology across multiple Data Centers. Leverage your expertise in Windows and Linux systems to design, implement, and mai...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Help us ensure high availability and continuity of technology across multiple Data Centers. Leverage your expertise in Windows and Linux systems to design, implement, and maintain critical infrastruct...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Optimize IT systems and applications through expert administration, ensuring security, performance, and compliance in a dynamic enterprise environment. Collaborate on projects, provide user support, a...
4 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion the maintenance and optimization of IT systems, ensuring seamless operations and robust support across diverse environments while leading troubleshooting efforts and enhancing system performa...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower your career by managing enterprise IT infrastructure, ensuring secure operations across diverse environments. Collaborate with IT teams to adapt to evolving technologies and drive reliability...
1 week ago
$128K - $214K *
Join a dynamic team to oversee enterprise infrastructure, resolving complex server issues and optimizing performance across Linux and Windows environments while ensuring high-quality support for a glo...
1 week ago
$79K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring reliable system operations through proactive management, troubleshooting, and collaboration with departments to enhance workflows and support organizational go...
1 week ago
$85K - $141K *
Engineer robust Linux systems, manage virtual environments, and enhance security compliance. Collaborate with teams to integrate technologies and deliver technical presentations, ensuring optimal perf...
1 week ago
$128K - $214K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing enterprise infrastructure for national defense missions. As a Linux System Administrator, you'll manage systems, optimize operations, and support IT infrastru...
2 weeks 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.