Special Offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a $75 credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored Jobs posted directly on Indeed with Urgently Hiring make a hire 5 days faster than non-sponsored jobs.**
  • Visibility for hard-to-fill roles through branding and urgently hiring
  • Instantly source candidates through matching to expedite your hiring
  • Access skilled candidates to cut down on mismatched hires

Systems Administrator Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
9 min read

A Systems Administrator, or SysAdmin, is an information technology professional responsible for managing the software and hardware involved with running a computer network. Their duties include tracking network traffic and activity, installing and configuring software updates and performing database backups to restore and protect user information.

Systems Administrator duties and responsibilities

Systems Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining the hardwired lines and wireless connections in a system and the hardware that hooks up to that system. Job duties specific to a Systems Administrator may include:

  • Analyzing and figuring out the system needs of an organization
  • Installing hardware and software for the network
  • Keeping systems operating efficiently by performing any necessary upgrades and repairs
  • Planning a strategy to maintain system security on the computers and the network as a whole
  • Optimizing and evaluating the system regularly
  • Assigning and updating security permissions for the system network
  • Training or directing users on the correct use of software and hardware within the system
  • Performing problem-solving tasks when alerted by a user or monitoring system

Hire your next Systems Administrator today.

Build a job description

Hire your next Systems Administrator today.

Build a job description
Close

Systems Administrator Job Description Examples

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Job Description Best Practices
Optimize your new and existing job descriptions to reach more candidates
Get the Guide

What does a Systems Administrator do? 

Systems Administrators are a central part of IT teams that support software functions, data transfers and network connectivity for computer systems. Their role is to oversee the network as a whole, making routine improvements and updates to ensure the system can handle all networking tasks and meet security requirements. System administrators may person tech support for complex issues when other IT professionals need help with a complex ticket.

System Administrators create policies and procedures for documenting problems, making corrections and communicating both internally and with clients. They research computing tools, determine when to replace critical parts of a network and develop protocols for integrating new technology while preserving system functions.

Systems Administrator skills and qualifications

Aside from the appropriate education and training, there are several skills that are important for Systems Administrators to possess, such as:

  • Interpersonal skills to facilitate productive working relationships
  • The ability to stay organized
  • Communication skills to explain complicated computer concepts
  • Discretion in handling people’s private information on data servers and throughout the network.
  • Problem-solving skills
  • The ability to work and collaborate within a team

Systems Administrator salary expectations

A Systems Administrator makes an average of $83,159 per year. Salary may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Systems Administrator salary expectations

2025-10-0124000.0092264.53205000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 92264.53 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 24000.00 - 205000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Systems Administrator education and training requirements

In order to enter this profession, individuals typically must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science. However, there are some companies that only require candidates to possess an associate degree or certification. Additionally, Systems Administrators are often required to become certified in specific types of hardware, software or products. Though a master’s degree in business administration or computer information systems is unnecessary to enter the field, it is beneficial for candidates that are hoping to progress into more managerial positions.

Systems Administrator experience requirements

Most companies require that candidates for the Systems Administrator position have at least 3-5 years of experience working in network administration, system administration or databases. This experience should include exposure to automation and scripting tools, as well as a working knowledge of networking protocols, hardware and networking software. Additionally, they must possess a track record of developing and implementing various IT strategies and plans.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Systems Administrator job description doesn’t meet your needs, see job descriptions for related positions:

Job Description Best Practices
Optimize your new and existing job descriptions to reach more candidates
Get the Guide

Frequently asked questions about Systems Administrator

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

Hire your next Systems Administrator today.

Build a job description

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found