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.
$71K - $97K *
Elevate operational excellence by ensuring the reliability and performance of automated systems. This hands-on role involves troubleshooting and maintaining complex electro-mechanical systems to susta...
Reposted 1 week ago
$115K - $133K *
Optimize enterprise Linux environments by managing cloud infrastructure, automation, and production support. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high availability, security, and operatio...
2 days ago
$100K - $140K *
Transform mission-critical IT services by validating and testing solutions in a dynamic lab environment. Collaborate with engineering and cybersecurity teams to ensure robust performance and security...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by managing and validating IT services in a mission-critical environment. Collaborate with engineering and cybersecurity teams to ensure robust testing and compliance, while mainta...
3 days ago
Principal Product Manager, AHV Virtualization Platform
$195K - $391K *
Unlock potential by managing the core AHV hypervisor. Drive product development, collaborate cross-functionally, and enhance customer satisfaction through strong business acumen, ensuring a successful...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $110K *
Optimize lab infrastructure by supporting servers, networks, and security. Engage in troubleshooting and maintenance to ensure system performance and availability in a dynamic hybrid environment...
3 weeks ago
$306K - $500K+*
Lead a team of engineers to enhance our Kubernetes data management platform, focusing on security and excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative features while mentoring...
2 weeks ago
$83K - $124K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of CI/CD pipelines, enhancing software delivery and operational stability for enterprise applications while collaborating with cross-functiona...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock technical excellence by providing critical support for product implementations, ensuring seamless installations and troubleshooting for diverse technologies. Collaborate with teams to enhance c...
2 weeks ago
System Engineer - Infrastructure Sustainment
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team as a Systems Engineer, tackling complex technical challenges while optimizing mission-critical infrastructure across multiple locations. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance se...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform user-facing and data center services by architecting and optimizing VDI solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to provide advanced support and ensure seamless operations across complex env...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in shaping complex technical solutions by developing operational requirements, translating needs into actionable plans, and coordinating across teams to ensure alignment with mission o...
1 week ago
Senior Platform Architect (Cloud, DevOps & Automation)
$120K - $145K *
Elevate enterprise platform capabilities by leading cloud architecture and automation initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define standards, drive modernization, and implement best...
1 week ago
Senior Platform Architect (Cloud, DevOps & Automation)
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and evolution of enterprise platform capabilities, modernizing infrastructure, and driving cloud-native solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams...
1 week ago
Senior Platform Architect (Cloud, DevOps & Automation)
$130K - $155K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Platform Architect, leading cloud-native solutions and driving platform modernization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish architectural standards an...
1 week ago
Senior Platform Architect (Cloud, DevOps & Automation)
$130K - $155K *
Drive the evolution of enterprise platform capabilities by leading cloud architecture, automation, and DevOps initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish standards and enhance op...
1 week ago
Lead Product Security Engineer
$191K - $287K *
Engineer robust security solutions by leading the Secure Software Development Lifecycle for cloud products. Collaborate with top talent to identify vulnerabilities and enhance product security through...
5 days ago
Systems Engineer - Research Infrastructure & Lab Platforms - Government Customer
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate your career by designing innovative virtualization platforms and systems for engineering research. Collaborate with researchers to create secure, high-performance lab environments, driving...
Reposted 6 days ago
Systems Engineer - Research Infrastructure & Lab Platforms - Government Customer
$120K - $140K *
Unlock potential by architecting and enhancing next-gen research platforms, driving automation and reliability to provide researchers with cutting-edge tools. Collaborate in a dynamic environment brid...
Reposted 6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in designing and supporting hybrid enterprise infrastructure, integrating on-premise and cloud solutions to ensure secure, scalable, and reliable application deployment while collabora...
2 weeks ago
ETL/Data Migration Engineer (Mid)
$80K - $95K *
Accelerate progress at data migration initiatives by executing robust ETL workflows. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure high data quality and support transformative federal projects in...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock the potential of engineering teams by designing and supporting an integrated tool chain, enhancing collaboration, and driving automation for efficient development processes across multiple disc...
4 days ago
Linux Systems Specialist - Senior | Tier 3
$90K - $120K *
Champion complex Linux systems and networking solutions, driving incident resolution and enhancing reliability. Collaborate with clients and teams to troubleshoot diverse environments, ensuring optima...
Yesterday
Linux Systems Specialist - Senior | Tier 3
$90K - $110K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of Linux systems support, collaborating with clients to solve complex technical challenges while enhancing infrastructure and ensuring optimal performance in a ful...
1 week ago
Linux Systems Specialist - Senior | Tier 3
$85K - $100K *
Champion innovative solutions by leveraging advanced Linux expertise to enhance client infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and security while fostering strong relationships and collaboration...
1 week 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.