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 *
Architect solutions to enhance DevOps teams' security by managing pre-sales technical support, conducting product demos, and serving as a subject matter expert in CI/CD integrations and workflows. Eng...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr. Software Engineer, Structural
$120K - $145K *
Join a pioneering team where you'll innovate software solutions for framing and structural analysis. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, set technical direction, and contribute to softwar...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$109K - $150K *
Shape the future of security solutions by guiding complex Managed Services integrations. Collaborate with teams to align customer strategies, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance, while leading techn...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate incident response capabilities by developing dashboards and alerts, optimizing cloud performance, and ensuring security compliance. Collaborate with product teams to enhance IAM needs while dr...
3 days ago
$114K - $252K *
Inspire innovation by developing scalable cloud software solutions that enhance mission-critical operations in a collaborative environment, translating complex requirements into secure tools on Google...
Reposted 1 week ago
$99K - $120K *
Build innovative building automation systems in a fast-paced, remote environment. Lead design projects while mentoring junior engineers, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure high-quality deliver...
Reposted 1 month ago
Solutions Engineer-Hyperscale and AI Infrastructure
$209K - $275K *
Transform your career by leading technical engagements with AI platform customers. Drive innovative solutions in a dynamic environment, leveraging your expertise in data center networking and AI techn...
5 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead transformative initiatives by designing and optimizing open source solutions, leveraging your expertise in Kubernetes and AI to drive customer success and innovation in cloud infrastructure...
3 days ago
Consulting National Partner Technical Manager
$156K - $234K *
Transform partner relationships by driving technical enablement and sales success. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align strategies, mentor partners, and enhance market presence through inn...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Cloud Engineering
$166K - $200K *
Champion innovative solutions by leading cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and drive project success across multiple departments, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and fos...
1 week ago
Security Software Engineer, IAM
$208K - $312K *
Drive IAM strategies across corporate and production environments, defining architecture, standards, and automating processes. Lead initiatives that enhance security, simplify access, and empower team...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff / Staff II - Application Security Engineer
$220K - $270K *
Unlock potential by guiding application security strategies across diverse product landscapes. In this senior technical role, you'll influence architecture, mentor teams, and enhance security processe...
3 weeks ago
$92K - $153K *
Drive the design and implementation of security controls in AWS cloud environments, ensuring compliance with security frameworks while collaborating with engineering teams to enhance secure CI/CD proc...
3 days ago
Data Center Solutions Architect - Sales Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Transform client needs into innovative data center solutions by leveraging your expertise in electrical and mechanical infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to ensure scalable, reliable designs that...
2 weeks ago
Principal Consultant - Education Cloud Architect
$125K - $150K *
Drive transformative Salesforce solutions in higher education as a trusted advisor. Lead architecture design, align technology with institutional goals, and ensure successful delivery of Education Clo...
2 weeks ago
Senior DevSecOps Engineer (Remote)
$140K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team as you architect secure CI/CD pipelines, manage Kubernetes clusters, and implement security automation in AWS. Collaborate across teams to enhance operational efficiency while embe...
2 days ago
Software Engineer 4 - AI Native
$88K - $180K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI-native software development. Drive engineering excellence by orchestrating autonomous agents and maintaining high-quality standards in a FedRAMP-authorized e...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Principal Platform Engineer
$162K - $211K *
Join a dynamic engineering team to build and maintain production platforms, driving architectural decisions and mentoring junior engineers while ensuring system reliability and integration with IT Sec...
2 weeks ago
Platform Engineer - FedD180/FedD181
$123K - $166K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cloud platform reliability and security. As a Platform Engineer, you'll leverage your expertise in Kubernetes and CI/CD to build and maintain robust infrastru...
1 week ago
Lead Network Infrastructure Architect
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's redefining network architecture by integrating complex systems, ensuring seamless coexistence, and driving innovative solutions across global operations and joint ventures...
2 weeks ago
Solutionhealth - Platform Engineer - IT - Full Time - HYBRID
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team as a Platform Engineer, enhancing enterprise services through reliable operations, maintenance, and continuous improvement across cloud and on-premise environments, while collabora...
5 days ago
Solutionhealth - Platform Engineer - IT - Full Time - HYBRID
$88K - $105K *
Join a dynamic team as a Platform Engineer, enhancing enterprise services through reliable operation, administration, and continuous improvement across cloud and on-premise environments, while develop...
5 days ago
SailPoint Engineering lead, IAM
$140K - $180K *
Transform identity governance at scale by leading the SailPoint ISC platform. Drive strategy, architecture, and compliance across global operations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to e...
1 week ago
Cloud Security Engineer (AWS & GCP)
$115K - $140K *
Partner with us to enhance cloud security across AWS and GCP environments. Engage in system hardening, vulnerability remediation, and incident response while collaborating with a team of experts to en...
3 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff, Platform Engineer (New Stealth Startup)
$200K - $350K *
Transform complex AI research into scalable, reliable systems. Collaborate across teams to architect and enhance backend services, ensuring robust infrastructure for model training and data collection...
2 days 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.