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.
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of cloud technology by designing, implementing, and optimizing Azure infrastructure and services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security, auto...
2 weeks ago
Application Security Architect - Cloud & DevSecOps
$120K - $145K *
Lead the design and implementation of application security strategies, bridging architecture, DevOps, and cloud security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security controls and estab...
1 week ago
Sr Staff Software Engineer- Access Security - Veza
$171K - $300K *
Take ownership of architecting and developing AI-driven backend solutions for Access Security, enhancing identity intelligence and risk detection while collaborating with cross-functional teams to del...
1 week ago
Sr Staff Software Engineer- Access Security - Veza
$171K - $300K *
Drive innovation by architecting and developing AI-driven backend solutions for access security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance enterprise capabilities, ensuring scalable and secur...
1 week ago
$125K - $138K *
Drive the design, development, and testing of advanced systems, ensuring integration of software and hardware. Collaborate on requirements analysis and system architecture for cutting-edge space-based...
1 week ago
$95K - $105K *
Contribute to the development and support of advanced missile systems as a systems engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of critical defense technologies while...
1 week ago
Enterprise Security Engineer, Vulnerability Management
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by investigating and prioritizing vulnerabilities across enterprise systems, driving remediation, and enhancing security capabilities through automation and AI integration...
1 week ago
Enterprise Security Engineer, Vulnerability Management
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of enterprise security by investigating vulnerabilities, driving remediation, and building automation. Collaborate across systems to enhance security posture and leverage AI for innov...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in developing and maintaining GIS applications for TxDOT. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance functionality, ensure compliance, and optimize performance of custom and CO...
2 days ago
Manager, Cloud Platform Engineering
$102K - $190K *
Pioneer cloud innovation by leading a team to design and manage scalable cloud systems. Shape standards and enhance architecture while ensuring security and operational excellence across platforms. Dr...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and maintaining full-stack applications. Collaborate in an Agile environment to deliver high-quality, scalable software that meets crit...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's transforming enterprise software development by enhancing legacy applications and creating innovative classification tools using a diverse technology stack, ensuring seamless integr...
3 weeks ago
DevOps Engineer, G&A Solutions Engineering (GSE)
$110K - $130K *
Champion best-in-class solutions by owning and improving tooling for large-scale systems. Collaborate with teams globally to enhance operations, tackle complex challenges, and create magical experienc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead the design and implementation of embedded software for satellite systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, drive continuous improvement, and mentor engineers to enhance software quality...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Pioneer the development of a cutting-edge inference cloud, building the control plane and API to transform racks into a reliable, sellable product while collaborating closely with deployment teams and...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Advance the development of a cutting-edge inference cloud platform, focusing on building a robust control plane and API. Collaborate closely with deployment teams to ensure reliability and scalability...
1 week ago
HPC DevOps & Software Integration Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovation in high-performance computing by delivering secure software deployments, automating infrastructure, and resolving complex technical challenges. Collaborate with teams to enhance relia...
2 weeks ago
Sr. AWS Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's transforming healthcare through scalable AWS cloud infrastructure. As a Senior DevOps Engineer, you'll design, automate, and optimize cloud environments, collaborating with cross-fu...
1 week ago
Senior AI Infrastructure and Optimization Engineer
$200K - $260K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing AI infrastructure and enhancing task performance. You'll build systems that maximize efficiency and reliability while driving continuous improvements across...
1 week ago
Critical Facilities Engineer, NA
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by delivering exceptional service as a Critical Facilities Engineer, overseeing the maintenance, operation, and repair of mission-critical systems to ensure 100% uptime and enhance th...
Reposted 6 days ago
Network Engineer, Deployment & Support
$120K - $145K *
Lead the deployment and support of global Edge and Backbone networks, tackling complex challenges while collaborating cross-functionally to enhance network infrastructure and drive best practices in a...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Join us in developing cutting-edge embedded Linux software for next-gen unmanned systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create reliable, flight-critical software that powers advanced flig...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion the development of systems from concept to deployment, ensuring alignment with customer needs and operational requirements. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance engineering processes and...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in guiding systems from concept to deployment, ensuring technical and operational requirements are met while collaborating with diverse teams to enhance solutions throughout the entire...
1 week ago
$105K - $200K *
Unlock potential by providing engineering support to the U.S. Navy's Foreign Military Sales Directorate, ensuring compliance and integration of systems while managing schedules and technical documenta...
2 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.