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.
Endpoint Security / ESS Engineer (Journeyman)
$95K - $115K *
Transform endpoint security management by ensuring compliance, investigating security events, and implementing corrective actions within the Department of Defense's Endpoint Security Solutions environ...
4 days ago
Senior Routing Engine Developer (CX Platform)
$120K - $145K *
Deliver innovative routing solutions for enterprise-scale contact centers. Design and build a robust routing engine that intelligently distributes interactions across various channels, ensuring high a...
6 days ago
Senior Routing Engine Developer (CX Platform)
$120K - $145K *
Empower enterprise-scale contact centers by designing and developing a cutting-edge routing engine. Collaborate across teams to ensure intelligent distribution of interactions, optimizing for performa...
6 days ago
Senior Routing Engine Developer (CX Platform)
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's redefining contact center technology by designing and building a cutting-edge routing engine. You'll develop scalable backend services for real-time interaction distribution, collab...
6 days ago
Senior Routing Engine Developer (CX Platform)
$120K - $145K *
Pioneer the development of a cutting-edge routing engine for enterprise contact centers, ensuring real-time distribution of interactions across various channels. Collaborate with cross-functional team...
6 days ago
Senior Routing Engine Developer (CX Platform)
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's designing the next-gen routing platform for enterprise contact centers. You'll develop scalable backend services for real-time interaction distribution, collaborating across teams t...
6 days ago
Senior Routing Engine Developer (CX Platform)
$120K - $145K *
Build innovative routing engines for enterprise-scale contact centers, optimizing real-time distribution of interactions across various channels. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance per...
6 days ago
Senior Routing Engine Developer (CX Platform)
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing a cutting-edge routing engine for enterprise-scale contact centers, ensuring real-time distribution of interactions across various channels while optimizing...
6 days ago
Senior Routing Engine Developer (CX Platform)
$120K - $145K *
Innovate the future of enterprise contact centers by designing a robust routing engine that intelligently distributes interactions across various channels, ensuring high performance and scalability in...
6 days ago
Senior Routing Engine Developer (CX Platform)
$120K - $145K *
Engineer the future of contact center technology by developing a robust routing engine that intelligently distributes interactions across various channels, ensuring high availability and performance i...
6 days ago
Senior Routing Engine Developer (CX Platform)
$120K - $145K *
Lead the design and development of a cutting-edge routing engine for enterprise contact centers, ensuring real-time distribution of interactions across various channels while collaborating with cross...
6 days ago
Senior Routing Engine Developer (CX Platform)
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's designing and building a cutting-edge routing platform for enterprise contact centers. Develop scalable backend services for real-time interaction distribution, ensuring high availa...
6 days ago
Energy Storage Preconstruction Project Engineer (Remote)
$72K - $90K *
Support the preconstruction team by coordinating project deliverables, ensuring profitability and schedule goals are met. Collaborate with engineering teams to manage documentation and facilitate a sm...
1 week ago
Information Security Architect - AI
$170K - $212K *
Elevate AI security by designing robust frameworks to protect systems from threats. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and ethical use, while implementing strategies that saf...
2 weeks ago
Staff Security Engineer, Security Enablement
$193K - $285K *
Join a team that's redefining security engineering by designing and delivering innovative, multi-domain security services. Collaborate across teams to enhance physical and cloud security, ensuring ope...
1 week ago
Security Operations Engineer II
$84K - $124K *
Drive the evolution of Cyber Defense by engineering and automating security operations, enhancing incident response, and maintaining enterprise security platforms to ensure robust protection and swift...
6 days ago
$225K - $265K *
Lead and mentor a diverse team of backend engineers in EDR remediation, transforming insights into actionable product capabilities while managing scope and fostering collaboration across engineering t...
2 days ago
Senior Cloud Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
$104K - $166K *
Champion cloud reliability by designing Python-based AWS solutions and engineering tools. Leverage Infrastructure-as-Code with Terraform to enhance platform reliability and automate processes across t...
3 days ago
Principal TA Systems Architect
$128K - $205K *
Elevate your career by owning the TA tech stack, driving integrations, and enhancing system efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and lead vendor relationships, all...
2 weeks ago
$115K - $135K *
Lead the charge in driving new business opportunities and managing territory expansion. Build trusted relationships with key decision-makers while executing partner-led initiatives and coordinating a...
Reposted 1 week ago
$115K - $135K *
Accelerate your career by driving new business and expansion in a dynamic territory. Leverage partner relationships and data-driven strategies to build a robust pipeline, conduct impactful training, a...
Reposted 1 week ago
$185K - $297K *
Elevate your engineering career by leading test automation and quality architecture for cloud and mobile systems. Shape technical vision, mentor engineers, and drive AI-first automation strategies whi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Solutions Architect - Pre-Sales (FedD154)
$120K - $145K *
Empower our defense solutions by acting as a trusted technical advisor, engaging with customers to understand their needs, and delivering compelling product demonstrations that showcase our technology...
1 week ago
Member of Technical Staff, Agentic AI Architect
$150K - $180K *
Pioneer innovative AI solutions by designing autonomous agents that enhance manufacturing workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize data pipelines and drive impactful results in a...
1 week ago
$104K - $166K *
Drive modernization efforts in America's airspace by ensuring accurate software installations and configurations for the FAA's Terminal Flight Data Manager program. Collaborate with teams to resolve t...
5 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.