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.
Technical Enablement Manager, Identity Security
$130K - $160K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of identity security by developing impactful enablement programs for pre-sales teams. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to enhance skills and drive busine...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Innovate and enhance software solutions in a dynamic SaaS environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain high-quality applications while driving continuous impro...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Manage and optimize cloud infrastructure solutions on Azure, focusing on Kubernetes and CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production services, ensuring high availabil...
2 weeks ago
Corporate Vice President - Senior Cloud Desktop / VDI Engineer - Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop
$147K - $211K *
Join as a senior engineer to design and manage enterprise Cloud Desktop solutions like Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, ensuring seamless, secure, and performant desktop experiences across varie...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion the management of mainframe outsourcing, ensuring optimal performance and vendor accountability while providing technical leadership and support for mainframe technologies across the organiza...
1 week ago
Manager - ASG Presales Engineering
$180K - $370K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team of technical sales professionals to deliver innovative solutions. Engage with clients to drive results, enhance collaboration, and optimize sales strategies...
3 weeks ago
HCM Cloud Platform & DevOps Engineer
$90K - $189K *
Manage the design, construction, and maintenance of cloud infrastructure for a federal HCM modernization initiative, ensuring secure, reliable environments and automating deployment processes across m...
Reposted 1 week ago
SYSTEM VIRTUAL PLATFORM DEVELOPER
$130K - $155K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in 5G and 6G network products by developing virtual models and enhancing SoC verification. Collaborate with diverse teams to optimize pre-silicon software develop...
5 days ago
Test & Validation Integration Engineer - Federal Customer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in ensuring seamless deployment of enterprise-grade infrastructure by integrating, testing, and validating complex systems in a controlled lab environment, enabling rapid field activat...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage with sales teams to identify prospects and demonstrate solutions that enhance organizational security. Educate clients on challenges and drive meetings to provide tailored solutions, ensuring e...
1 week ago
$94K - $118K *
Unlock potential by driving application security initiatives through innovative tooling and automation. Collaborate closely with engineering teams to safeguard cloud platforms and implement security b...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Open Talent Network: Staff DevOps and Systems Integration Engineer
$160K - $180K *
Transform the future of cloud infrastructure by leading DevOps initiatives, enhancing systems integration, and driving innovative solutions for federal clients. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimi...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading a technical team to enhance collaboration tools in a dynamic, cloud-based environment. Engage with federal clients, drive Agile practices, and ensure toolset efficiency...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Backend (Go)
$110K - $130K *
Innovate by building robust Go microservices for a multi-tenant AI platform. Collaborate with global teams to design API-first services, ensuring reliability and performance in production environments...
3 weeks ago
Cloud Native Software Engineer SME
$195K - $264K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI-assisted software engineering, leading innovative solutions and transforming development practices to enhance mission-critical capabilities and drive organiz...
1 week ago
Manager, Security Design & Delivery
$170K - $200K *
Champion the security design and delivery for hyperscale projects, ensuring comprehensive protection through physical and electronic systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish stand...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Software Engineer III, Infrastructure, Google Distributed Cloud
$147K - $210K *
Empower your career with a role focused on developing large-scale infrastructure and distributed systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance cloud technologies and deliver critical services for diverse...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Partner Technology Architecture
$150K - $180K *
Champion partner growth by leading a high-performing team focused on pre-sales excellence, solution strategy, and AI adoption. Drive business development and co-innovation while ensuring technical dis...
3 days ago
$127K - $160K *
Engineer scalable cloud platforms by automating processes and enhancing reliability. Collaborate with teams to streamline deployments and ensure secure, resilient infrastructure that meets evolving bu...
1 week ago
DevSecOps Engineer/Linux Administrator (Senior)
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior DevSecOps Engineer, driving operational excellence in Linux and DB2 administration. Collaborate across teams to enhance application performance and security in a full...
6 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - Open Source (RD217)
$148K - $201K *
Empower the development of our open source software solutions while collaborating with engineers and community contributors. Leverage your cloud native expertise to enhance mission outcomes through in...
Reposted 6 days ago
$142K - $236K *
Drive innovation in cybersecurity by leading technical initiatives for MSSP partners and AI security solutions. Leverage your expertise to design, scale, and secure managed services while mentoring te...
2 weeks ago
Senior Solutions Architect | Vulnerability/Exposure Management (Remote)
$175K - $200K *
Take ownership of transformative security solutions by leading complex client engagements in vulnerability management and exposure assessment. Drive risk-based strategies and architect innovative prog...
2 days ago
Cloud GIS Administrator / Engineer
$120K - $160K *
Manage cloud infrastructure for high-availability ArcGIS Enterprise systems. Collaborate with federal clients, ensuring top performance across Windows, Linux, and Kubernetes while supporting a distrib...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Solution Architect (Rack Integration & DC Compute)
$170K - $200K *
Optimize large-scale AI data center deployments by architecting rack-level compute solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of compute, storage, and networking...
3 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.