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.
$90K - $110K *
Drive the health and security of our Active Directory environment while collaborating across IT teams. As a Systems Administrator, you'll ensure optimal performance, implement best practices, and supp...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive modernization efforts by managing enterprise systems and infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to ensure high availability, performance, and security while delivering innovative solutions and t...
4 days ago
Production Engineer, Compute Team Lead
$130K - $160K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic compute production engineering team, ensuring optimal GPU availability and automation. Drive innovation in tooling and processes while fostering a resilient, h...
3 weeks ago
Production Engineer, Compute Team Lead
$130K - $155K *
Drive excellence in compute production engineering by leading a team to ensure optimal GPU availability, automate node lifecycle processes, and establish effective on-call models for enhanced operatio...
3 weeks ago
Production Engineer, Compute Team Lead
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of compute production engineering by leading a team to ensure optimal GPU fleet availability, automating processes, and enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining a sharp on-c...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $100K *
Shape the future of cloud security by embedding automated guardrails and compliance controls into CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate across teams to enhance software delivery while ensuring a secure, scalab...
2 weeks ago
$114K - $172K *
Elevate your career by designing and managing Azure infrastructure, driving DevOps automation, and enhancing security compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize cloud environment...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Cloud GIS Administrator / Engineer
$120K - $160K *
Manage cloud infrastructure for high-availability ArcGIS Enterprise systems. Collaborate with federal clients, ensuring top performance across Windows, Linux, and Kubernetes while supporting a distrib...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Cloud GIS Administrator / Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Manage the administration and optimization of scalable ArcGIS Enterprise systems in cloud environments, ensuring high availability and security through innovative cloud infrastructure solutions and co...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Engineer SoC-level architecture for wafer-scale systems, collaborating with design teams to create and implement detailed specifications, ensuring successful execution and integration across various c...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Architect the detailed SoC-level architecture for wafer-scale systems. Collaborate with design teams to create specs and drive implementation, ensuring seamless integration across various components a...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of SoC architecture by leading the design and implementation of wafer-scale systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create detailed specifications and drive successful exe...
2 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Engineer, Infrastructure Development & Delivery
$135K - $160K *
Innovate with us to transform project delivery through advanced AI systems, automating workflows and enhancing collaboration on-site. Join a team dedicated to redefining efficiency in construction and...
3 weeks ago
$211K - $289K *
Join a dynamic team to manage end-to-end engineering programs, driving cloud storage solutions across major platforms. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver strategic initiatives and lead cross-fun...
1 week ago
Production Systems Engineer, Edge
$120K - $145K *
Optimize the performance and reliability of a global Edge compute fleet, collaborating with cross-functional teams to qualify new hardware, enhance failure detection, and ensure seamless operations ac...
1 week ago
Senior Infrastructure/DevSecOps Engineer (TS/SCI with CI Poly) {S}
$115K - $175K *
Elevate your career by leading complex DevSecOps initiatives. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance software operations while utilizing your expertise in Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Systems Administrator 2 (NHK - 012)
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by contributing to cutting-edge HPC systems, focusing on Linux environments and advanced networking. Collaborate with a dynamic team to troubleshoot and optimize high-performance c...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to shape solutions for major city agencies, driving strategic growth and enabling success through tailored technology integrations and fostering adoption across diverse stakeholder...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Azure Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
$160K - $190K *
Elevate cloud capabilities by implementing and optimizing Azure and on-prem environments. This hands-on role demands advanced skills in system administration, infrastructure automation, and cloud secu...
3 weeks ago
Cloud Security & Automation Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Join us as a Cloud Security Engineer to enhance security across cloud environments. You'll automate workflows, manage risk, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure robust cloud security practices...
3 weeks ago
HPC Linux System Administrator
$100K - $120K *
Discover an exciting opportunity to support NASA's human spaceflight programs as an HPC Linux System Administrator. Collaborate with a skilled team to manage high-performance computing systems, ensuri...
2 weeks ago
Infrastructure Support Engineer
$111K - $150K *
Shape the future of IT infrastructure by providing dedicated support, managing server and network configurations, and ensuring compliance with security standards. Collaborate with teams to enhance sys...
3 weeks ago
DevOps Engineer (Hybrid) - 30702
$75K - $100K *
Join a dynamic team as a DevOps Engineer, driving cloud infrastructure automation, enhancing CI/CD pipelines, and ensuring service reliability in a hybrid environment. Collaborate with developers to o...
4 days ago
Systems Administrator, Lev 2 (AE2610060843)
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing system administration excellence. Leverage your expertise in Linux, firewall management, and DevOps to lead a small team in a dynamic environment focused on r...
2 weeks ago
Systems Administrator, Lev 2 (AE2610060843)
$95K - $115K *
Optimize system performance and security by managing Linux environments, implementing CI/CD pipelines, and leading a small team in a dynamic, on-site role focused on advanced system administration and...
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.