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.
IT Systems Operations Engineer
$98K - $154K *
Unlock potential by providing critical support for Linux and Windows systems. Take ownership of troubleshooting, repairs, and documentation while collaborating with engineering teams to enhance operat...
5 days ago
Service Engineer (DevSecOps) II
$75K - $143K *
Build and enhance secure, scalable cloud solutions while driving automation and reliability. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality outcomes and contribute to technical innovation in cloud env...
1 week ago
Cloud Computing Infrastructure Architect, Mid
$69K - $158K *
Transform cloud infrastructure by leveraging AWS and DevOps practices. Collaborate with experts to design, develop, and implement innovative solutions that modernize IT systems and enhance client miss...
1 week ago
Principal Systems Administrator (Linux, VMware)
$108K - $130K *
Manage and optimize IT systems, ensuring reliability and performance. Provide support for troubleshooting, maintenance, and compliance, while coordinating with security teams to enhance system operati...
3 weeks ago
Senior Microsoft Cloud Security Engineer
$130K - $150K *
Shape the future of cloud security by leading efforts to secure and optimize Microsoft cloud environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and resilience while implementin...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Data Center Automation
$120K - $145K *
Elevate operational efficiency by architecting robust systems for real-time telemetry, automated repairs, and hardware qualification, ensuring seamless integration across production environments and e...
3 weeks ago
VIE - IT & Lab Infrastructure Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Execute hands-on management of IT and lab infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues, enhance operations, and drive co...
1 week ago
$190K - $310K *
Drive security innovation by shaping platform architecture and enhancing defenses against evolving threats. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to instill secure practices while ensuring our custo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$121K - $191K *
Join a dynamic team as a Cloud Engineer, focusing on M365 services in a GCC-H environment. You'll ensure secure, compliant operations while managing B2B services, collaborating with partners, and supp...
1 week ago
Staff Infrastructure Engineer (Storage)
$145K - $175K *
Join us to design and optimize large-scale storage systems, ensuring cost-efficiency and user-friendly interfaces. Collaborate across teams to drive architecture and data management, enhancing perform...
1 week ago
Solutions Engineer - Cloud & DevOps
$90K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by designing CI/CD pipelines and automating processes. Collaborate with teams to enhance development efficiency while ensuring system compliance and security across AWS and Azure...
1 week ago
Technical Solutions Architect III -- Virtualization Nutanix - VmWare
$151K - $189K *
Engineer innovative virtualization solutions that enhance customer strategy and value. Collaborate in a dynamic environment, leading customer workshops as a subject-matter expert across VMware and Nut...
Reposted 1 week ago
Enterprise - System Engineer - NetApp, Rancher, VMware
$225K - $250K *
Partner with us to enhance system engineering processes, ensuring robust documentation and requirements management. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver effective solutions that meet stakeholder...
1 week ago
OpenStack Cloud Engineer Consultant for SSC
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's deploying and implementing OpenStack solutions at scale. Leverage your expertise to provide architectural guidance, troubleshoot complex issues, and ensure successful implementation...
4 weeks ago
$97K - $138K *
Support and maintain a secure IT environment, ensuring reliable systems and user services. Troubleshoot technical issues, assist users, and uphold compliance with security standards while managing inf...
4 days ago
$97K - $138K *
Join us to support and maintain a secure IT environment, ensuring reliable systems and user services. You'll troubleshoot issues, assist users, and uphold compliance while managing infrastructure and...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive efficient IT operations by providing Tier I and II support, managing UNIX and Windows systems, and ensuring seamless communication with management and clients. Enhance system reliability and per...
1 week ago
Senior Security & Infrastructure Engineer
$195K - $220K *
Lead the charge in securing and optimizing AWS infrastructure, driving FedRAMP compliance, and integrating security into engineering workflows. Collaborate with teams to ensure security is a default...
1 week ago
$160K - $200K *
Architect and implement IBM Cloud solutions, collaborating with sales and technical teams to design, size, and migrate workloads to public cloud platforms while optimizing performance and costs...
3 weeks ago
$185K - $260K *
Join us in shaping the future of our AI infrastructure! Leverage your expertise to build and scale our cloud systems, ensuring reliability and security as we meet the demands of enterprise clients and...
Reposted 1 month ago
$185K - $260K *
Develop and manage cloud infrastructure across AWS and GCP to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient operations. Lead the enhancement of observability, compliance, and cost management as we scale our...
Reposted 1 month ago
Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing secure cloud infrastructures and automating provisioning on Google Cloud Platform. Collaborate with customers to solve complex challenges and implement scalable, reliable...
4 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in enterprise patch management and vulnerability remediation, ensuring security and compliance across all managed systems. Collaborate with IT teams to enhance operational integrity an...
3 days ago
Software Engineer II, EAM Appliance
$133K - $143K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative software solutions for distributed databases that enhance the performance and reliability of vital cloud and on-premises applications...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
OCO Virtualization Product Manager - CLEARANCE and POLYGRAPH REQUIRED
$100K - $180K *
Transform the future of virtualization and containerization technologies. Lead cross-functional teams to develop enterprise-grade products, ensuring alignment with strategic goals while fostering coll...
3 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.