The IT administrator salary is a crucial aspect of the information technology industry, as it reflects the value and importance of these professionals in managing and maintaining computer systems and networks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for network and computer systems administrators in the United States was $80,600 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, industry, level of experience, and specific job duties.
Factors Affecting IT Administrator Salary
Several factors can influence the salary of an IT administrator, including the size and type of organization, the level of experience and education, and the specific job responsibilities. For example, IT administrators working in large enterprises or in industries such as finance and healthcare tend to earn higher salaries than those working in smaller organizations or in industries such as non-profit or education. Additionally, IT administrators with advanced degrees or certifications, such as a Master’s degree in computer science or a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, can command higher salaries than those without these credentials.
Industry-Specific Salaries
IT administrator salaries can vary significantly depending on the industry. For example, according to data from the BLS, the median annual salary for network and computer systems administrators in the finance and insurance industry was 94,600 in May 2020, while the median annual salary for those working in the education industry was 64,400. The following table provides a breakdown of median annual salaries for IT administrators in different industries:
| Industry | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $94,600 |
| Healthcare | $83,400 |
| Information Technology | $85,600 |
| Education | $64,400 |
| Non-Profit | $62,200 |
Location-Based Salaries
IT administrator salaries can also vary significantly depending on the location. For example, according to data from the BLS, the median annual salary for network and computer systems administrators in the San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division was 114,800 in May 2020, while the median annual salary for those working in the Cleveland-Elyria, OH Metropolitan Division was 73,400. The following table provides a breakdown of median annual salaries for IT administrators in different metropolitan areas:
| Metropolitan Area | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA | $114,800 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $103,400 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD | $96,400 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $93,400 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | $73,400 |
Experience-Based Salaries
IT administrator salaries can also vary depending on the level of experience. For example, according to data from Indeed, the average salary for an entry-level IT administrator (0-2 years of experience) is around 55,000 per year, while the average salary for a senior IT administrator (10+ years of experience) is around 110,000 per year. The following table provides a breakdown of average salaries for IT administrators based on level of experience:
| Level of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $55,000 |
| Mid-Level (2-5 years) | $70,000 |
| Senior-Level (5-10 years) | $90,000 |
| Executive-Level (10+ years) | $110,000 |
Education and Certifications
IT administrator salaries can also be influenced by the level of education and certifications. For example, according to data from the BLS, the median annual salary for network and computer systems administrators with a Bachelor’s degree was 80,600 in May 2020, while the median annual salary for those with a Master's degree was 94,600. The following table provides a breakdown of median annual salaries for IT administrators based on level of education:
| Level of Education | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree | $64,400 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $80,600 |
| Master's Degree | $94,600 |
| Ph.D. | $110,000 |
Certifications and Specializations
IT administrator salaries can also be influenced by certifications and specializations. For example, according to data from Indeed, the average salary for an IT administrator with a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is around 120,000 per year, while the average salary for an IT administrator with a Certified Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certification is around 100,000 per year. The following table provides a breakdown of average salaries for IT administrators based on certifications and specializations:
| Certification or Specialization | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| CISSP | $120,000 |
| ITIL | $100,000 |
| CompTIA Security+ | $90,000 |
| CompTIA Network+ | $80,000 |
What is the average salary for an IT administrator in the United States?
+According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for network and computer systems administrators in the United States was 80,600 in May 2020.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What factors can influence the salary of an IT administrator?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Several factors can influence the salary of an IT administrator, including the size and type of organization, the level of experience and education, and the specific job responsibilities. Additionally, certifications and specializations, such as CISSP or ITIL, can also impact salary.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the highest-paying industry for IT administrators?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>According to data from the BLS, the finance and insurance industry is the highest-paying industry for IT administrators, with a median annual salary of 94,600 in May 2020.
