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.
$83K - $125K *
Drive the operational health of mission-critical Appian environments, ensuring reliability and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage configurations, deployments, and incident...
3 days ago
$140K - $190K *
Join a dynamic team to implement and maintain cybersecurity solutions across mission-critical networks. Leverage your expertise in vulnerability management and system administration to enhance securit...
2 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff II - Cloud Security
$120K - $145K *
Architect innovative containerized services for a dynamic multi-tenant system. Collaborate with peers, mentor junior engineers, and ensure robust software deployment while leveraging your expertise in...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer, Solutions Architecture
$134K - $184K *
Engineer comprehensive rack-based compute and storage solutions, balancing customer needs with industry standards. Lead projects from design to physical build, ensuring optimal functionality and servi...
Reposted 6 days ago
Principal Engineer, Solutions Architecture
$134K - $184K *
Engage with cross-functional teams to develop and support automation software for enterprise rack-based solutions, ensuring seamless integration and validation in a dynamic environment...
Reposted 6 days ago
Principal Engineer, Solutions Architecture
$134K - $184K *
Champion innovative rack-based solutions by designing and integrating compute, cloud, and storage systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure optimal functionality and serviceability while adher...
Reposted 6 days ago
Principal Engineer, Solutions Architecture
$134K - $184K *
Reimagine the future of data center solutions by designing innovative rack-based compute and storage systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure optimal functionality and serviceability while ad...
Reposted 1 week ago
Systems Integration & Lab Infrastructure Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of avionics integration and prototyping. This role involves designing and maintaining lab infrastructures, ensuring cybersecurity measures, and supporting system...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $141K *
Engineer robust Linux systems, manage virtual environments, and enhance security compliance. Collaborate with teams to integrate technologies and deliver technical presentations, ensuring optimal perf...
2 days ago
$128K - $214K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing enterprise infrastructure for national defense missions. As a Linux System Administrator, you'll manage systems, optimize operations, and support IT infrastru...
3 days ago
Software Engineer, Manufacturing & Supply Chain
$120K - $145K *
Empower our team by automating procurement processes and enhancing AI infrastructure. Collaborate closely with experts to streamline operations, ensuring timely delivery and accuracy in manufacturing...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager - FPGA & Hardware - Enforced Security
$130K - $155K *
Take ownership of FPGA development for cutting-edge security solutions, managing architecture, verification, and team growth. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure robust hardware design and compli...
1 week ago
$92K - $149K *
Optimize cloud infrastructure and security for federal research data platforms, ensuring compliance with federal standards. Collaborate with teams to design, implement, and maintain secure, scalable e...
2 days ago
$120K - $140K *
Innovate cloud solutions by designing and automating infrastructure in Cloud.gov and Azure. Collaborate with teams to enhance performance and security, driving impactful results for clients while shap...
2 days ago
Systems Infrastructure Engineer - JobID-0300
$90K - $184K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of defense technology by optimizing enterprise Linux systems, deploying robust virtualization solutions, and ensuring the operational readiness of high-availabilit...
3 weeks ago
Senior Principal Architect - Enterprise Solutions Architecture
$183K - $255K *
Lead the charge in defining enterprise architecture strategies that drive modernization and transformation across technology domains, engaging stakeholders and mentoring teams to achieve excellence in...
4 days ago
$73K - $174K *
Lead the charge in designing and integrating complex SoC solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize performance and power efficiency throughout the design lifecycle. This role of...
5 days ago
Systems Integration Engineer - Advanced Concepts
$105K - $125K *
Manage aircraft interface definition and integration, ensuring seamless collaboration across disciplines. Drive high-lift system integration and coordinate technical closure with partners to enhance e...
3 weeks ago
Systems Integration Engineer - Advanced Concepts
$105K - $125K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing electric aviation by integrating aircraft systems and ensuring seamless interface closure across disciplines. Leverage your expertise to drive technical solutions an...
3 weeks ago
Systems Integration Engineer - Advanced Concepts
$105K - $125K *
Innovate aircraft systems integration by defining interfaces and ensuring closure across disciplines. Collaborate with partners to resolve conflicts and support verification planning, driving progress...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform team dynamics by leading a diverse group of ICT/Security professionals, ensuring technical excellence and fostering collaboration across various market sectors while driving project success...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion the engineering and sustainment of enterprise Linux platforms, ensuring security and reliability for research operations. Collaborate with teams to automate tasks, manage vulnerabilities, and...
Reposted 1 week ago
$108K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to modernizing critical systems for state agencies. Contribute to impactful projects while enhancing your skills in a supportive environment focused on growth and collabor...
3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer (Mid-Career) - HPC & GPU Infrastructure
$100K - $120K *
Unlock your potential as a Systems Engineer specializing in HPC and GPU infrastructure. Design, develop, and optimize GPU clusters for Intelligence Community clients, ensuring high performance and rel...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer, Information Security
$110K - $130K *
Drive security innovation by managing and optimizing enterprise security technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed security in design, enhance risk posture, and leverage AI for au...
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.