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.
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
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
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
Senior Software Engineer - Virtual Machines (RD222)
$125K - $150K *
Transform your career by owning complex software features that integrate virtual machines into a secure platform. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions while establishing strong eng...
2 days ago
Manager, Virtualization & Digital Workspace Platforms
$120K - $187K *
Lead a team in designing and managing virtualization and cloud solutions, ensuring security and efficiency while driving innovation and customer satisfaction across digital workspace platforms...
2 days ago
Senior Virtualization Engineer (Azure + VMWare)
$120K - $145K *
Engineer and optimize virtualization infrastructure, ensuring seamless operation and support for Azure and VMWare environments. Collaborate with teams to enhance performance, troubleshoot issues, and...
1 week ago
Virtualization Platform Automation Engineer and Admin
$85K - $192K *
Unlock your potential as a VMware and OpenShift Virtualization Developer, driving automation and efficiency in virtualization services. Collaborate with teams to enhance platform stability, performanc...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Virtualization and Linux Kernel
$224K - $431K *
Champion the advancement of open-source Linux kernel support for NVIDIA GPUs. Collaborate with global teams to develop virtualization features in Rust and C, driving technical proposals and enhancing...
2 days ago
Senior Engineer - Desktop Application
$180K - $195K *
Drive the development of the Hypori app for Windows while enhancing iOS and Android functionalities. Collaborate in an agile environment, focusing on secure software practices, troubleshooting, and de...
1 week 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...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $100K *
Develop and enhance automated provisioning systems to efficiently onboard high volumes of servers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration and process optimization, direct...
Reposted 2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage in transformative DevOps practices by implementing AWS technologies and tooling. Collaborate with product teams to enhance cloud infrastructure, security, and CI/CD pipelines, contributing to a...
1 month ago
Senior Manager, Cloud Storage Engineering
$160K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team driving innovative cloud storage solutions. Lead engineering efforts to design and maintain high-performance storage services globally, ensuring reliability and scalability for div...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Windows, Azure, Virtualization Engineer
$122K *
Join a team that's shaping enterprise Windows infrastructure and cloud environments. Leverage your expertise in virtualization and security to optimize systems, automate processes, and lead technical...
Yesterday
Windows, Azure, Virtualization Engineer
$122K *
Transform enterprise Windows infrastructure and cloud environments by designing, implementing, and securing systems. Collaborate with IT teams to optimize performance, automate processes, and ensure c...
1 week ago
Systems Engineer III Cloud - Data Center
$110K - $130K *
Transform complex cloud and data center solutions by leading implementations, ensuring technical readiness, and delivering exceptional customer support throughout the project lifecycle. Drive innovati...
Yesterday
Software Engineer - AIM Virtualization
$130K - $155K *
Shape the future of AI-driven database technology by tackling complex challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance our virtualization platform and drive innovation in data management...
4 weeks ago
Technical Manager- Virtual Platform Team
$195K - $315K *
Drive innovation by architecting next-gen virtual-platform solutions for AI SOCs. Lead a technical team to deliver high-quality simulation models, enabling early software development and ensuring firs...
1 week ago
$149K - $256K *
Shape the technical strategy for complex global opportunities, collaborating with sales leadership to drive innovative solutions. Lead technical discovery and architecture workshops, ensuring alignmen...
2 days ago
Windows / KVM Virtualization Systems Engineer
$100K - $135K *
Lead the charge in optimizing virtualization systems by leveraging KVM expertise, ensuring seamless installations, upgrades, and maintenance of Windows servers in a VMware environment while delivering...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - Tooling & Automation
$125K - $135K *
Architect a unified operational dashboard connecting diverse alert systems to streamline monitoring and enhance triage efficiency, ensuring critical alerts are prioritized and effectively routed...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Solutions Engineer - Cloud & DevOps
$90K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by designing CI/CD pipelines and automating processes. Collaborate with teams to enhance development efficiency while ensuring system compliance and security across AWS and Azure...
1 week ago
Technical Solutions Architect III -- Virtualization Nutanix - VmWare
$151K - $189K *
Engineer innovative virtualization solutions that enhance customer strategy and value. Collaborate in a dynamic environment, leading customer workshops as a subject-matter expert across VMware and Nut...
Reposted 1 week ago
$185K - $260K *
Join us in shaping the future of our AI infrastructure! Leverage your expertise to build and scale our cloud systems, ensuring reliability and security as we meet the demands of enterprise clients and...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Security & Infrastructure Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Drive security excellence by managing identity access, external testing, and compliance processes. Collaborate with teams to enhance AWS security and develop scalable policies, ensuring robust protect...
2 weeks 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.