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.
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing IT systems and enhancing performance across enterprise environments. You'll tackle advanced troubleshooting and system monitoring, ensuring reliable operatio...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $135K *
Advance the future of desktop engineering by developing and implementing robust OS deployment solutions for a complex government client, ensuring seamless software distribution and security compliance...
2 weeks ago
$112K - $140K *
Take ownership of project coordination and risk management for data center initiatives. Drive stakeholder engagement and mentor teams to enhance processes, ensuring timely decision-making on large-sca...
1 month ago
$130K - $160K *
Contribute to our security engineering efforts by enhancing infrastructure, application security, and compliance. Collaborate with a small team to build robust security tools and practices, ensuring u...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Engineer robust security solutions to protect users and partners. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance security across infrastructure, applications, and compliance, while writing production code...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $135K *
Champion robust solutions for large-scale software deployment, leveraging expertise in OS deployment technologies. Develop and implement Desktop OS Images while providing strategic support for a compl...
2 weeks ago
Principal Enterprise Cloud Architect
$159K - $265K *
Join a team that's leading the design and optimization of multi-cloud infrastructure. Drive cloud adoption and innovation while ensuring scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness across Azure, AWS...
1 week ago
Cloud Security Software Engineer
$115K *
Take ownership of innovative cloud security solutions by engineering autonomous AI tools that meet complex requirements, ensuring robust security and efficiency in high-velocity environments. Drive pr...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior DevOps / Release Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Take ownership of the CI/CD pipeline and infrastructure for a network security appliance, ensuring robust automation and release integrity while modernizing legacy systems and integrating AI-assisted...
5 days ago
$97K - $132K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team as a Cloud Engineer, where you'll deliver innovative cloud solutions, enhance operational efficiency, and prioritize user experience while driving your caree...
1 week ago
$97K - $132K *
Deliver innovative cloud solutions as a Cloud Engineer, Jr. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency, automate processes, and ensure security for our clients. Your expertise will drive...
1 week ago
Senior DevOps Engineer (Hybrid) - 26246
$137K - $180K *
Grow your career with an innovative team as you automate and manage AWS cloud infrastructure. Leverage your expertise in DevOps and Kubernetes to ensure system reliability, scalability, and performanc...
Reposted 2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of cloud engineering by leveraging your expertise in AWS to build secure environments. Collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver innovative solutions while maintaining high standar...
5 days ago
Software Engineer II - Compute
$171K - $190K *
Join a team that's building scalable, fault-tolerant platforms for global cloud services. Collaborate with stakeholders to influence roadmaps and contribute to cutting-edge Linux open source projects...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Staff Linux Security Engineer
$250K - $300K *
Elevate your career by enhancing Linux kernel security for cutting-edge AI cloud solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to implement robust security measures, conduct vulnerability research, and le...
2 weeks ago
Emulation Engineer, Technical Leader
$186K - $267K *
Optimize the emulation environment for multi-terabit systems by developing robust pre-silicon frameworks using C/C++ and TCL. Collaborate across teams to enhance design testing and performance evaluat...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Optimize IT systems and support by diagnosing complex issues, conducting research, and deploying solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance offerings and provide expert-level customer support in a d...
2 weeks ago
Systems Verification & Validation Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring system integrity through rigorous IVVQ activities. Leverage your expertise in test planning, execution, and reporting to enhance product reliability and contri...
3 weeks ago
Mainframe z/VM System programmer
$109K - $175K *
Join a dynamic team to support and enhance our IBM Z mainframe infrastructure, focusing on z/VM system administration and troubleshooting in a high-availability environment. Your expertise will drive...
1 week ago
Mainframe z/VM System programmer
$109K - $175K *
Unlock potential by managing and supporting IBM z/VM systems in a high-availability environment. Collaborate with teams to optimize resource allocation and ensure system stability while leveraging ext...
1 week ago
Platform Engineer (DevOps) (RAD)
$150K - $250K *
Take ownership of deploying and optimizing production systems across multiple environments. Leverage your full-stack engineering skills to enhance containerized applications and ensure system reliabil...
2 days ago
$120K - $165K *
Contribute to the development of advanced AI/ML applications by architecting and maintaining modern ML pipelines. Collaborate with research teams to ensure secure, efficient deployment of machine lear...
1 week ago
Staff Application Security Engineer
$182K - $215K *
Join our team to oversee application security, manage vulnerability pipelines, and collaborate with engineering teams to enhance security practices. Drive incident response and advocate for security a...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $175K *
Develop and enhance DevSecOps practices to streamline cloud and application development. Collaborate with stakeholders, automate processes, and ensure security while mentoring junior team members in a...
Today
$80K - $175K *
Drive innovation in our DevSecOps practice, enhancing cloud and application development through automation, CI/CD, and security measures. Collaborate with teams to optimize processes and mentor junior...
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.