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 *
Elevate enterprise IT systems by managing, securing, and optimizing servers, networks, and applications. Collaborate with teams to implement upgrades and solutions, ensuring operational excellence acr...
4 days ago
Software Developer, Expert/SME
$180K - $230K *
Contribute to innovative software development projects supporting national security, collaborating with engineers to create solutions that address emerging threats while mentoring junior developers an...
3 weeks ago
Hardware Security Engineer CSDL Hybrid
$132K - $185K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team that bridges hardware security and engineering. Collaborate with product teams to ensure compliance with global standards while enhancing hardware resilience...
2 days ago
Software Escalation Engineer (Python)
$95K - $115K *
Unlock your potential as a key technical resource, resolving complex customer issues and collaborating with teams to enhance product performance and reliability in a dynamic environment...
1 week ago
Senior Endpoint Management Engineer (KACE/BigFix/Application Packaging)
$110K - $140K *
Oversee the design, development, and deployment of software solutions while leading a team of developers. Ensure optimal performance of endpoint management tools and maintain compliance across applica...
1 week ago
Client Operations Support Engineer
$85K - $134K *
Join us to enhance endpoint management and security across diverse devices. Collaborate with teams to streamline device provisioning, automate processes, and ensure compliance, all while delivering ex...
2 weeks ago
$138K - $198K *
Pioneer innovative backend solutions by designing and operating REST APIs and services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product offerings while mentoring junior engineers and ensuri...
2 days ago
Sr. Security Engineer - Security Engineering Team
$100K - $120K *
Elevate security measures by leading incident response, monitoring tools, and ensuring IT infrastructure integrity. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance security capabilities and support c...
2 weeks ago
$77K - $176K *
Explore a dynamic role managing AWS environments, enhancing infrastructure performance, and mentoring teams. Leverage your CloudOps expertise to drive improvements and ensure security in mission-criti...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Shape innovative AI solutions across various industries by collaborating with clients to design, lead, and deliver scalable architectures. This role requires strong technical expertise and consulting...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Champion the design and delivery of innovative AI solutions, bridging technical expertise with consulting acumen. Collaborate with clients and teams to translate challenges into impactful, scalable ar...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Agent Development
$83K - $120K *
Unlock potential by designing and enhancing agentic systems that streamline AI-assisted software development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that improve engin...
4 days ago
$95K - $126K *
Join a team that's transforming IT systems administration for advanced AI research. Support end-users and manage high-performance computing environments while streamlining operations for both classifi...
Reposted 4 days ago
$112K - $196K *
Shape the future of Parsons Classified Networks by overseeing system administration, ensuring compliance with regulations while enhancing user experiences and optimizing operations through innovative...
1 month ago
$110K - $130K *
Contribute to innovative data engineering by designing and optimizing scalable ETL pipelines for a federal modernization program, ensuring data quality, reliability, and compliance in cloud environmen...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Engineer and optimize enterprise platforms using infrastructure as code. Focus on application integration, automation, and internal tools to enhance workflows and reduce manual tasks, ensuring seamles...
2 days ago
Staff Infrastructure Engineer (Production Optimization)
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by enhancing production workflows and driving cross-team improvements. Collaborate with diverse teams to identify bottlenecks, prioritize solutions, and establish metrics for success...
1 week ago
$135K - $180K *
Unlock your potential as a key architect in our multi-cloud ecosystem, driving infrastructure design, security, and scalability while mentoring teams on cloud-native best practices in a high-impact, g...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $250K *
Optimize and deploy lightweight machine learning models for edge AI applications, focusing on audio processing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance model efficiency and provide technica...
2 days ago
$156K - $231K *
Unlock potential by leading infrastructure implementation and automating deployment processes as a Senior DevOps Engineer. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliability, scalability, and security of se...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$112K - $179K *
Develop and maintain cloud and on-premise infrastructure, supporting system lifecycle activities in a collaborative environment. Leverage automation tools to enhance efficiency and ensure high availab...
2 days ago
Linux System Administrator - DoD
$120K - $145K *
Join us to optimize and manage Linux environments, bridging traditional infrastructure with modern containerization. Collaborate with engineers to enhance system performance and mentor junior staff wh...
5 days ago
Virtual Platform Software Engineer, Annapurna Labs Machine Learning Accelerators, AWS
$143K - $223K *
Unlock your potential by building powerful models and infrastructure for high-performance virtual platforms critical for software development. Collaborate closely with engineering teams to enhance usa...
Reposted 1 month ago
Cybersecurity Solution Architect
$110K - $130K *
Transform cybersecurity landscapes by architecting tailored solutions that address customer challenges, enhance security maturity, and drive business outcomes through collaboration with diverse stakeh...
5 days ago
Cloud Services Software Engineer
$152K - $287K *
Unlock the potential of AI by developing resilient cloud infrastructure services. Collaborate with a talented team to enhance backend systems, optimize performance, and redefine AI capabilities in a d...
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.