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.
Principal Systems Architect, Research Technologies, IS&T Research Computing
$130K - $155K *
Shape the future of research computing by leading the design and operations of cloud-based infrastructures. Collaborate with universities and industry partners to enhance data-intensive research capab...
6 days ago
Senior Cable Infrastructure Coordinator
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by coordinating complex cable infrastructure projects, providing technical support across multiple initiatives, and ensuring compliance with industry standards in telecommunications a...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive the development of a robust platform by leveraging AWS and modern DevOps practices. Collaborate with teams to automate processes, enhance system performance, and ensure high availability in a se...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by providing a reliable platform that orchestrates microservices, leveraging AWS technologies and automation to enhance operational efficiency and drive team collaboration in a dynami...
Yesterday
$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
Unified Communications Administrator - Senior
$100K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative unified communications solutions. You'll develop, implement, and manage systems that enhance collaboration and ensure seamless communication acros...
4 weeks ago
Unified Communications Administrator - Senior
$100K - $130K *
Join our team to develop and implement unified communications solutions that enhance collaboration and efficiency. You'll manage systems, provide technical support, and ensure security while adapting...
4 weeks ago
Unified Communications Administrator - Senior
$100K - $130K *
Shape the future of unified communications by developing and implementing innovative solutions. Collaborate with IT professionals to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance across voice, v...
4 weeks ago
Infrastructure Systems Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Join our team to support and enhance infrastructure operations, ensuring seamless deployment and maintenance of advanced technologies while driving modernization initiatives and troubleshooting comple...
2 weeks ago
Infrastructure Systems Engineer
$200K - $240K *
Optimize infrastructure operations by leading maintenance and troubleshooting efforts, ensuring seamless deployment of solutions while collaborating on modernization initiatives and proposing innovati...
2 weeks 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
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Drive the design and implementation of secure VDI solutions for classified DoD environments, ensuring compliance with NSA CSfC standards while collaborating with cybersecurity and engineering teams to...
6 days ago
$87K - $101K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing database solutions and support. Contribute to the development and maintenance of SQL Server databases, ensuring data integrity and security while collaboratin...
3 weeks ago
Desktop & A/V Support Engineer
$90K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team as you deliver high-touch IT support for Mac and AV systems, ensuring seamless operations for executives. Troubleshoot complex issues, implement solutions, and enhance user experie...
Today
Unix Engineering/System Administration
$110K - $150K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing Unix systems and enhancing cybersecurity compliance through innovative automation and integration strategies in a dynamic environment...
6 days ago
$120K - $160K *
Drive the integration of complex systems for Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment, collaborating with diverse teams to solve multifaceted challenges and optimize life-cycle performance while ensurin...
1 week ago
Senior Redhat Linux Systems Administrator
$110K - $130K *
Manage UNIX/Linux system administration for enterprise services, supporting complex mission environments. Drive operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and compliance with security standards, ensuri...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Transform your career by providing critical 24x7 application support, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with engineering teams to ensure seamless operations and customer satisfaction in a dyna...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Help us provide critical 24x7 mission support by troubleshooting and resolving application issues, ensuring seamless operations, and delivering exceptional user assistance in a dynamic environment...
6 days ago
Data Systems Analyst & Infrastructure Modernization Specialist
$103K - $218K *
Drive enterprise-level data center optimization initiatives, supporting modernization efforts through strategic planning, hybrid cloud migration, and Zero Trust Architecture alignment, while collabora...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing software systems and applications. Leverage your expertise in application administration to enhance performance, ensure security, and support users across mu...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in managing and optimizing software applications, ensuring seamless performance and security. Collaborate with teams to support multiple platforms while enhancing user experience throu...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing international THAAD training support. In this role, you'll oversee training coordination, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure effective delivery of trai...
2 days ago
SME Data Center Infrastructure Architect
$198K - $215K *
Pioneer data center modernization efforts by assessing infrastructure, ensuring compliance, and providing expert guidance to enhance operational capabilities and security for mission-critical systems...
2 weeks ago
Maintenance Planning & Scheduling Administrator III
$73K - $95K *
Drive maintenance efficiency and asset reliability by managing planning and scheduling activities, optimizing resource utilization, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives in a GMP-regulated...
1 month 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.