Windows Server Administrators keep the systems behind modern organizations reliable, secure, and available. They install and configure Windows Server environments, manage user access and directory services, monitor performance, troubleshoot incidents, and support business-critical applications. On Ladders, explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, including senior administrator and infrastructure leadership roles.
Responsibilities vary by organization, but often include managing Windows Server deployments, Active Directory and Group Policy, patching and upgrades, backup and recovery, virtualization, and system monitoring. Administrators may also coordinate migrations, document configurations, respond to security findings, and work with network, cloud, database, and service desk teams.
Employers commonly look for hands-on experience with Windows Server, PowerShell scripting, identity and access management, virtualization platforms, endpoint and server security, and backup tools. Familiarity with Microsoft Azure or hybrid cloud environments, automation, compliance requirements, and IT service management can also help candidates stand out. Requirements differ by role, so review each listing for its specific platform and experience expectations.
Windows Server Administrator experience can lead to senior systems administration, infrastructure engineering, cloud operations, systems architecture, or IT management. Higher-level roles may involve designing resilient environments, guiding migrations, setting operational standards, mentoring administrators, and partnering with business leaders on infrastructure strategy.
Browse Ladders for vetted professional jobs that pay $100,000 or more. Compare role requirements, technologies, responsibilities, and compensation details to identify opportunities that fit your experience and career goals. New listings and employer requirements vary, so check postings regularly and tailor your application to each position.
$110K - $130K *
Optimize your career by providing expert virtualization support in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with teams to enhance VMware infrastructure and ensure mission-critical operations while adhering...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Manage and support an expanding virtualization environment, implementing new system hardware and collaborating with the team to enhance operational efficiency and security protocols. Ensure swift resp...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Virtualization Engineer (Systems Engineer II - VDI)
$92K - $110K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing advanced VDI solutions, ensuring optimal performance and security for mission-critical environments. Collaborate with teams to enhance user experience and...
3 weeks ago
Virtualization Engineer (Systems Engineer II - VDI)
$92K - $110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to engineering and maintaining advanced VDI systems. Leverage your expertise in virtualization to support critical national missions while driving innovation in complex en...
3 weeks ago
Senior Virtualization & Orchestration Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Transform infrastructure by designing and building scalable GPU systems for AI cloud platforms, focusing on virtualization, Kubernetes, and automation to enhance performance and reliability across mul...
3 weeks ago
Storage & Virtualization Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Advance your career by providing critical support for a 24/7 enterprise network, ensuring cybersecurity and operational readiness for mission-critical systems in a dynamic environment...
Yesterday
$107K - $195K *
Lead the charge in transforming enterprise virtualization solutions, ensuring robust and secure cloud and on-premise environments while driving continuous improvement in IT service management processe...
Reposted 3 days ago
Staff Senior Virtualization & Orchestration Engineer
$145K - $175K *
Pioneer innovative virtualization solutions for GPU-intensive AI workloads. Collaborate across teams to design scalable, secure infrastructure, enhancing orchestration systems for high-performance com...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineer II- IT Systems (Virtualization)
$70K - $205K *
Join a global team to manage and optimize virtual environments, leveraging VMware, Proxmox, and cloud technologies. Collaborate across infrastructure teams to enhance automation and operations while s...
Yesterday
Senior Engineer II- IT Systems (Virtualization)
$70K - $205K *
Join a global team to manage and optimize our virtual environments, leveraging your expertise in VMware and cloud technologies to enhance operations and support infrastructure solutions across multipl...
Yesterday
Senior Engineer II- IT Systems (Virtualization)
$70K - $205K *
Pioneer innovative solutions by managing global virtual environments and cloud services. Collaborate with infrastructure teams to enhance operations and support a diverse, remote workforce in a dynami...
Yesterday
Senior Engineer II- IT Systems (Virtualization)
$70K - $205K *
Unlock potential by managing and optimizing global virtual environments, enhancing cloud services, and collaborating with infrastructure teams to deliver innovative solutions in a dynamic, remote sett...
Yesterday
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Optimize virtual desktop infrastructures by designing and deploying secure, non-persistent VDI pools while ensuring session control and performance for a user base of up to 500. Focus on security, usa...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Deliver seamless integration and Tier 3 support for secure mobile infrastructure. Collaborate with enterprise stakeholders to ensure compliance, performance, and customer satisfaction while managing c...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by delivering secure, mission-ready systems integration and Tier 3 support. Collaborate with enterprise stakeholders to ensure optimal performance and compliance in a dynamic, high...
2 weeks ago
Sr Engineer, Systems Architecture – OpenShift Virtualization
$100K - $180K *
Elevate the future of virtualization architecture by leading design and implementation strategies. Collaborate with teams to enhance technology capabilities, ensuring excellent performance in Kubernet...
Reposted 1 week ago
Virtualization Platform Engineer - VM Cloud
$124K - $145K *
Grow your expertise as you design and maintain a cutting-edge private cloud infrastructure, ensuring high availability and security while driving automation and compliance in a dynamic financial envir...
2 weeks ago
Staff Engineer Systems - Virtualization Architect (26-462)
$161K - $241K *
Help us shape the future of missile defense by designing and managing advanced virtualization environments. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure secure, scalable operations that support critical n...
1 week ago
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Administrator
$125K - $128K *
Lead the charge in designing and managing Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and security. Play a key role in troubleshooting, capacity planning, and implementing vital infra...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Administrator
$125K - $128K *
Tackle VDI infrastructure challenges, managing virtual desktops and ensuring performance while providing expert support and troubleshooting. Shape the future of desktop virtualization technology in a...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Enterprise Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (EVDI) Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform virtual desktop environments by leveraging expertise in VMWare and Citrix. Collaborate with teams to optimize cloud solutions and enhance service delivery across multi-site architectures, en...
Yesterday
$145K - $240K *
Innovate with us to build and operate cloud infrastructure for autonomous driving. Collaborate across teams to establish scalable, efficient environments, applying best practices in DataOps and MLOps...
3 days ago
$140K - $165K *
Transform virtual desktop infrastructure by engineering, administering, and optimizing VDI solutions. Collaborate with teams to resolve complex issues, enhance security, and ensure reliable service de...
3 days ago
Infrastructure & Cloud Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Innovate cloud and infrastructure solutions by administering Azure, Microsoft 365, and enterprise systems. Enhance security, automate processes, and support compliance while collaborating with IT team...
2 weeks ago
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer II
$66K - $104K *
Optimize cloud infrastructure by implementing GCP environments, automating deployments, and ensuring high availability. Collaborate on Infrastructure-as-Code using Terraform and Ansible while managing...
1 week ago
What does a Windows Server Administrator do?
A Windows Server Administrator maintains and supports Windows-based server environments. Typical work includes configuration, patching, access management, monitoring, troubleshooting, backup and recovery, and collaborating with teams responsible for networks, security, and applications.
What skills are commonly required for Windows Server Administrator jobs?
Commonly requested skills include Windows Server administration, Active Directory and Group Policy, PowerShell, virtualization, server security, monitoring, and backup and recovery. Some roles also seek experience with Azure, hybrid infrastructure, automation, or compliance.
Do Windows Server Administrators need certifications?
Certification requirements vary by employer and role. Relevant Microsoft or cloud credentials may strengthen an application, but many employers also consider practical experience, technical skills, and the ability to manage production environments.
Can Windows Server Administrator jobs pay $100,000 or more?
Yes. Some senior, specialized, or high-responsibility roles meet or exceed $100,000, depending on factors such as location, experience, employer, and scope. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; review each listing for compensation details.
What career paths can follow Windows Server Administrator work?
Experienced administrators may move into senior systems administration, infrastructure or cloud engineering, systems architecture, security operations, or IT management. The path depends on skills, interests, and the needs of the organization.