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.
$61K - $141K *
Elevate IT infrastructure by designing and managing VMware environments, ensuring optimal performance and security. Collaborate with teams to translate customer needs into effective engineering soluti...
Today
$61K - $141K *
Transform IT infrastructure by leveraging VMware expertise to design, manage, and secure virtual environments. Collaborate with teams to deliver customer-focused solutions that enhance performance and...
Today
$61K - $141K *
Innovate your career by leveraging your VMware expertise to enhance IT infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to design secure systems, ensuring optimal performance and customer satisfaction while dri...
Today
$61K - $141K *
Transform IT infrastructure by leveraging your VMware expertise to design, manage, and secure systems that meet customer needs. Collaborate with teams to enhance performance and drive impactful engine...
Today
$61K - $141K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance IT infrastructure through VMware expertise, ensuring optimal performance and security. Your role will involve designing virtual machines and translating customer needs i...
Today
$61K - $141K *
Optimize IT infrastructure by designing and managing VMware environments, ensuring security and performance. Collaborate with teams to translate customer needs into effective engineering solutions, en...
Today
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Administrator
$100K - $115K *
Drive your career as a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Administrator, overseeing VDI systems, enhancing performance, and providing expert-level support for user connectivity and applications in a dynam...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to design and support on-premises cloud infrastructure, leveraging VMware expertise. Drive improvements in security and performance while automating processes to enhance efficiency...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock your potential by designing and supporting on-premises cloud infrastructure, serving as a VMware SME, and enhancing security and performance in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with developer...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and optimization of scalable cloud infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance automation, reliability, and cost efficiency while mentorin...
3 days ago
Windows and Virtualization Infrastructure Engineer III
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in designing and optimizing enterprise-level Windows and virtualization infrastructure. Work hands-on within multiple datacenters to support, enhance, and future-proof systems and solu...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Linux Systems Administrator (RHEL/VMware)
$83K - $94K *
Empower critical IT infrastructure by leading Linux systems administration, designing integrated solutions, and managing endpoint infrastructure across diverse operational environments. Drive performa...
1 week ago
Manager, Virtualization & Digital Workspace Platforms
$120K - $187K *
Drive innovation by leading a team in designing and managing virtualization and digital workspace solutions, ensuring secure, efficient, and customer-focused technology environments that align with bu...
Yesterday
Manager, Virtualization & Digital Workspace Platforms
$120K - $187K *
Lead a high-performing team to design and manage virtualization and cloud solutions, ensuring secure, resilient, and cost-effective environments that enhance customer experience and align with busines...
Yesterday
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 Software Engineer, Core Virtualization Security
$174K - $252K *
Transform the security landscape of virtualization by leading innovative software solutions, enhancing architecture, and collaborating across teams to ensure robust protection and performance in a dyn...
1 week ago
Senior Virtualization & Storage Engineer
$160K - $170K *
Unlock potential by leading virtualization and storage engineering efforts in a classified environment. Drive optimization and support mission-critical systems with your expertise in VMware and Dell s...
Reposted yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by providing expert IT support and solutions in virtual environments. Collaborate on designing, implementing, and maintaining systems that enhance operational efficiency and ensure...
2 weeks 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
Sr. Virtualization & Storage Engine - 177075
$160K - $170K *
Elevate enterprise virtualization and storage solutions in a classified environment, ensuring optimal performance and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support mission-critical sy...
Yesterday
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer III
$85K - $134K *
Join a team that's redefining cloud infrastructure for enterprise security systems. Lead the design and architecture of high-availability environments, mentor engineers, and ensure resilient, secure i...
1 week ago
$180K - $200K *
Elevate your career by designing and implementing a high-performance testing network, enhancing both manual and automated testing capabilities through innovative solutions and collaboration with cross...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Elevate engineering productivity by building a scalable cloud compute platform for data processing, simulation, and machine learning, enabling seamless workflows across multiple teams and enhancing pe...
3 days ago
Senior Red Hat Consultant (OpenShift Virtualization / CNV)
$153K - $178K *
Join us to design and support an on-premises OpenShift Virtualization environment, leveraging your expertise in core infrastructure, virtualization, and networking to enhance operational efficiency an...
2 weeks ago
Infrastructure Storage Engineer
$100K - $194K *
Lead the charge in architecting and optimizing high-performance storage solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable NAS, SAN, and cloud storage services, ensuring data integ...
Yesterday
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.