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.
$95K - $115K *
Innovate network solutions by managing firewall configurations, providing 24x7 support, and ensuring robust incident resolution. Collaborate on technical documentation and budgeting while mentoring te...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager - Virtualization
$170K - $195K *
Lead the development of virtualization solutions for Offensive Cyber Operations, focusing on product strategy and Agile execution. Collaborate with engineering teams and stakeholders to deliver scalab...
3 days ago
Virtualization Platform Automation Engineer and Admin
$85K - $192K *
Unlock your potential as a VMware and OpenShift Virtualization Developer, driving automation and efficiency in virtualization services. Collaborate with teams to enhance platform stability, performanc...
3 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Optimize cloud infrastructure by architecting, deploying, and automating solutions across AWS GovCloud and Azure. Collaborate with teams to enhance cloud standards, governance, and operational efficie...
5 days ago
Systems Administrator (Red Hat Enterprise Linux and VMware)
$110K - $130K *
Optimize server infrastructure by managing Red Hat, VMware, and Windows systems. Automate operations with Ansible, ensure compliance, and support cloud migration efforts while participating in a 24/7...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Virtualization and Linux Kernel
$224K - $431K *
Champion the advancement of open-source Linux kernel support for NVIDIA GPUs. Collaborate with global teams to develop virtualization features in Rust and C, driving technical proposals and enhancing...
2 days ago
Senior Engineer - Desktop Application
$180K - $195K *
Drive the development of the Hypori app for Windows while enhancing iOS and Android functionalities. Collaborate in an agile environment, focusing on secure software practices, troubleshooting, and de...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer - Desktop Application
$180K - $195K *
Champion innovative desktop application development by collaborating in an agile team to enhance the Hypori app for Windows, while supporting iOS and Android functionalities through effective coding...
1 week ago
Senior Cloud Security & DevSecOps Engineer
$80K - $90K *
Elevate your career by designing and securing multi-cloud platforms. This role focuses on embedding security into CI/CD pipelines and enhancing operational resilience across enterprise environments...
4 days ago
Sr. VMware Day 2 Operations Specialist
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in optimizing VMware environments, ensuring stability, performance, and security while collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve complex issues and enhance operational matur...
1 week ago
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer - Kubernetes & KubeVirt (REF1242M)
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of cloud infrastructure by architecting and delivering enterprise-grade Kubernetes platforms across hybrid environments, enhancing operational efficiency and system reliability throug...
3 days ago
$181K - $226K *
Join our dynamic team as a Software Engineer, where you'll enhance internal tools, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive improvements in cloud infrastructure and observability, all while working in...
2 weeks ago
Cloud & Infrastructure Engineer
$121K - $191K *
Elevate your career by supporting and enhancing enterprise cloud and infrastructure services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, scalable, and reliable solutions across commerci...
2 days ago
Cloud & Infrastructure Engineer
$121K - $191K *
Empower enterprise solutions by designing and maintaining secure, scalable cloud and infrastructure services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compl...
2 days ago
Cloud & Infrastructure Engineer
$121K - $191K *
Manage and enhance cloud and infrastructure services across diverse environments, ensuring security, scalability, and high availability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable sol...
2 days ago
$80K - $100K *
Develop and enhance automated provisioning systems to efficiently onboard high volumes of servers. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration and process optimization, direct...
Reposted 2 days ago
DevOps Engineer- Contour Cloud
$150K - $200K *
Engage in cloud infrastructure and DevOps practices that enhance performance and reliability while collaborating closely with development teams to streamline automation and orchestration within a dyna...
Reposted 1 week ago
$112K - $257K *
Grow your skills at the forefront of cloud innovation, collaborating with experts to design, develop, and manage secure cloud solutions using AWS, Azure, and DevSecOps practices. Lead teams to deliver...
Reposted 2 days ago
VMware Systems Architect - Level 3/4 (AHT)
$114K - $213K *
Transform infrastructure with advanced VMware solutions, leading design and implementation. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and security while guiding architecture development for classifi...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage in transformative DevOps practices by implementing AWS technologies and tooling. Collaborate with product teams to enhance cloud infrastructure, security, and CI/CD pipelines, contributing to a...
1 month ago
$93K - $205K *
Unlock your potential by leading cloud architecture design and automation for a major public utility. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish governance, strategy, and standards across Az...
Today
$93K - $228K *
Lead the design and implementation of hybrid cloud solutions, optimizing infrastructure for federal clients. Drive architectural decisions that enhance security, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness acr...
4 days ago
$93K - $228K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of hybrid cloud solutions, optimizing infrastructure for federal clients. Drive architectural decisions that enhance security, efficiency, and...
4 days ago
Systems Engineer, VDI (SQL Server and Windows Server) w/Secret Clearance
$120K - $170K *
Join a dynamic team to engineer and maintain critical Windows and SQL Server systems supporting a Citrix VDI environment. Collaborate on innovative solutions while ensuring compliance with federal sta...
4 days ago
IT Infrastructure Engineer, Virtualization & Storage
$130K - $175K *
Unlock innovative solutions by designing and maintaining robust virtualization and storage infrastructures, ensuring quality and reliability across data center operations while collaborating with cros...
2 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.