Hiring a systems administrator: the market today
The short answer ·
900 open postings ask for a systems administrator as of Oct 8, 2026, from 199 employers. The median advertised pay is $120,000, taking the midpoint of each posted range. 537 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.
900open postings
199employers hiring
$120,000median advertised pay
537new in 30 days
Who you're competing with
Open postings · Ayla, 2026-10-08
What it pays
Advertised pay (range midpoints), 699 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Aug 2026
Questions buyers ask
How hard is it to hire a systems administrator?
Hard. 199 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Peraton with 59 open postings.
What should I pay a systems administrator?
Advertised pay centers on $120,000. Federal staff in series 2210 average $147,543 in actual pay.