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How to hire a computer systems administrator

Computer systems administrator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring computer systems administrators in the United States:

  • There are currently 124,333 computer systems administrators in the US, as well as 136,907 job openings.
  • Computer systems administrators are in the highest demand in Eglin Air Force Base, FL, with 8 current job openings.
  • The median cost to hire a computer systems administrator is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new computer systems administrator to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a computer systems administrator, step by step

To hire a computer systems administrator, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a computer systems administrator:

Here's a step-by-step computer systems administrator hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a computer systems administrator job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new computer systems administrator
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a computer systems administrator do?

Computer systems administrators are responsible for organizing and installing a company's computer system, including the WAN, LAN, and other data for communication. They gather information from the users to determine where to improve and troubleshoot hardware and software issues. These administrators ensure that the system they design for a company meets the needs of their users. They maintain the security of their systems and provide technical support for projects. They mainly administer a company's network, database, and security systems.

Learn more about the specifics of what a computer systems administrator does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your computer systems administrator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a computer systems administrator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a computer systems administrator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a computer systems administrator that fits the bill.

    Here's a comparison of computer systems administrator salaries for various roles:

    Type of Computer Systems AdministratorDescriptionHourly rate
    Computer Systems AdministratorComputer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.$25-46
    Computer EngineerA computer engineer is someone who examines, designs, and manages computer hardware and software systems. He/She or she helps in solving issues or any concerns that may occur with the computer's hardware and software as well as assists in the innovation of computer technology... Show more$33-63
    Computer AnalystA computer analyst is responsible for generating technical solutions to improve operational efficiency and processes. Computer analysts create models for system applications and perform upgrades on software and hardware networks to boost optimization... Show more$27-47
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Computer System
    • Linux
    • Customer Service
    • Troubleshoot
    • DOD
    • User Accounts
    • VMware
    • Unix
    • Lifecycle Management
    • Tcp Ip
    • CAD
    • OS
    • DNS
    • Technical Support
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Create SNP pipeline script in Perl to automate SNP prediction.
    • Manage static IP address reservations in the corporate and DHCP in the production network.
    • Manage a mix facility of IBM and DEC mainframe computers, VAX super-mini computers and PDP-11 mini computers.
    • Design, install, configure and manage Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop environment.
    • Manage & monitor database servers and perform weekly/monthly data backup schedules and recovery strategies.
    • Convert manual offices to computerize environment using standalone PCs and UNIX systems.
    More computer systems administrator duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your computer systems administrator job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A computer systems administrator salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a computer systems administrator in Arkansas may be lower than in California, and an entry-level computer systems administrator usually earns less than a senior-level computer systems administrator. Additionally, a computer systems administrator with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average computer systems administrator salary

    $72,247yearly

    $34.73 hourly rate

    Entry-level computer systems administrator salary
    $53,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 15, 2025

    Average computer systems administrator salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$91,912$44
    2Washington$84,350$41
    3Connecticut$80,943$39
    4New Hampshire$80,909$39
    5Massachusetts$80,725$39
    6New York$80,621$39
    7District of Columbia$80,252$39
    8New Jersey$78,780$38
    9Maryland$78,511$38
    10Delaware$77,203$37
    11Virginia$76,678$37
    12Minnesota$72,698$35
    13Ohio$70,451$34
    14Illinois$70,357$34
    15Arizona$69,679$34
    16Indiana$69,536$33
    17Michigan$69,239$33
    18Missouri$69,013$33
    19North Carolina$68,985$33
    20Texas$67,424$32

    Average computer systems administrator salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Meta$135,476$65.13560
    2PayPal$132,219$63.571
    3eBay$129,927$62.461
    4Apple$128,677$61.86213
    5Google$128,405$61.73130
    6NVIDIA$125,875$60.52130
    7Amazon$124,980$60.09342
    8Nutanix$123,416$59.3316
    9Intuit$121,286$58.314
    10StubHub$120,718$58.043
    11Microsoft$119,732$57.5670
    12Brocade Services Corporation$119,647$57.52
    13Salesforce$118,632$57.0316
    14Riverbed Holdings, Inc.$117,489$56.491
    15LinkedIn$115,793$55.678
    16JPMorgan Chase & Co.$115,369$55.4741
    17Applied Materials$115,329$55.4522
    18Workday$115,007$55.292
    19The New York Times Company$114,863$55.221
    20Twitter$113,647$54.642
  4. Writing a computer systems administrator job description

    A computer systems administrator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a computer systems administrator job description:

    Computer systems administrator job description example

    Program Overview: NAWCWD is the weapons systems integration and software support activity for several aircraft Integrated Product Teams (IPTs). The mission the program is to provide research, development, test, evaluation, systems integration, and programmatic support for weapons systems and associated tactical computer systems embedded within or carried on their aircraft, including related systems, support equipment, and interoperability initiatives. Working will include: Modification of aircraft components, technical support services (including full systems integration) to all NAWCWD aircraft IPTs and their associated aircraft weapons and support systems, and technical support services to other related and/or interfacing systems (including related test laboratories and equipment). This position is contingent upon contract award, expected in 2022.

    Location: Individuals would be physically located in following work sites:

    • China Lake, CA

    Essential job responsibilities include, but not limited to:

    • Provides ongoing network support, addresses availability issues, overcomes performance problems and provides overall level 2 support. Designs, installs, maintains and coordinates the use of network systems. Evaluates hardware and software and peripheral equipment for large, complex networks. Manages network performance, diagnoses performance problems and undertakes tuning activities to ensure network performance meets SLR requirements. Troubleshoots and resolves problems to ensure quality transmission service on the network. Reports on overall network performance including frequent problems, underlying issues and plans to improve network availability, performance and problem resolution. Trains users, maintains, creates and deletes user accounts. Maintains and updates system security plans on all platforms. Implements and coordinates network policies, procedures and standards. Enforces network security procedures.

    Qualifications:

    Required qualifications for this position include:

    • 3 or more years of experience and a BA/BS degree. Typically performs all functional duties independently.
    • Must be an US Citizen

    This position requires that the candidate have and maintain an active Secret DoD security clearance

    Desired Experience:

    • Knowledge of naval aircraft/weapons systems integration functions, weapons systems development, electronic warfare systems and/ or aircraft platform
    Overview:

    Sabre Systems, Inc. is a quality driven, customer focused large business providing innovative solutions in the areas of Cyber, C4ISR, Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, and Enterprise Modernization to federal and civilian customers. Our mission is to ensure our customers have the technology, services, and expertise to overcome threats, maintain superiority, and quickly adapt to emerging obstacles. At Sabre, we're more than just a job - we're a team - and we care for and nurture our employees like family. If you want to be a part of creating and implementing enduring solutions that transform mission challenges into mission success – join Sabre!

    Sabre provides an excellent benefits package, which includes healthcare, paid days off, tuition reimbursement, and a 401K plan.

    We respect the unique perspectives that a diverse workforce of minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans brings not only to our company, but also to our customers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

    EOE Minorities/Females/Disability/Veterans; VEVRAA Federal Contractor

    As a Government Contractor, all Sabre employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have received approval for an accommodation per Government regulation. Employees that have received approval for accommodations may need to go through scheduled testing and/or other requirements directed by the Government. The above may be subject to change.

  5. Post your job

    To find computer systems administrators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any computer systems administrators they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level computer systems administrators with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your computer systems administrator job on Zippia to find and recruit computer systems administrator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with computer systems administrator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    Sometimes, it's not enough to interview computer systems administrator candidates, so you can ask them to do a test project. If you are not a technical person and don't know what a test project should be, you can use these websites:

    • TestDome
    • CodeSignal
    • Testlify
    • BarRaiser
    • Coderbyte

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new computer systems administrator

    Once you've decided on a perfect computer systems administrator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    To prepare for the new computer systems administrator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a computer systems administrator?

Recruiting computer systems administrators involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

Computer systems administrators earn a median yearly salary is $72,247 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find computer systems administrators for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $25 and $46.

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