Hiring a systems administrator: the market today
The short answer ·
978 open postings ask for a systems administrator as of Nov 11, 2026, from 229 employers. The median advertised pay is $116,565, taking the midpoint of each posted range. 416 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.
Who you're competing with
Open postings · Ayla, Nov 11, 2026
What it pays
Advertised pay (range midpoints), 744 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Sep 2026
Questions buyers ask
How hard is it to hire a systems administrator?
Hard. 229 employers are hiring the role right now, led by General Dynamics IT with 69 open postings.
What should I pay a systems administrator?
Advertised pay centers on $116,565. Federal staff in series 2210 average $147,616 in actual pay.
Where is a systems administrator being hired?
As of Nov 11, 2026, the most open postings for the role are in Virginia (167), Maryland (131) and California (73). Together they hold 38% of its 978 open postings.
Who can help me hire a systems administrator?
Ayla's recruiters, for government agencies and contractors. Send the role for a free market brief within two business days, then interview the people we find; you pay a placement fee when you hire.