How to hire a systems administration analyst

How to hire a systems administration analyst, step by step

Here's a step-by-step systems administration analyst hiring guide:

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

What does a systems administration analyst do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The systems administration analyst hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

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   Hiring the perfect systems administration analyst also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of systems administration analysts.

   Type of Systems Administration Analyst	Description	Hourly rate
   Systems Administration Analyst	Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.	$25-39
   Systems Support	A systems support agent is responsible for resolving system applications and network issues, performing technical configuration, and upgrading systems infrastructure. A systems support representative conducts regular maintenance and diagnostic tests on the computer applications to ensure its optimal performance and efficiency to support business operations and avoid delays in deliverables... Show more	$21-42
   Support Analyst	The role of support analysts is to resolve problems with hardware, computer programs, and peripherals. They may focus on a particular aspect of the information technology (IT) department or give technical support to end-users... Show more	$24-54

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Customer Service
   • Database
   • Troubleshoot
   • System Administration
   • Linux
   • Technical Support
   • VMware
   • SharePoint
   • Windows Server
   • SQL Server
   • Computer System
   • Unix
   • DNS
   • PC

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and maintain SCCM and WSUS environment with multiple remote replication sites.
   • Utilize VMware, VPN, and VNC to manage company's virtual servers.
   • Manage WSUS and DHCP tools from a virtual server locate in a vSphere cluster.
   • Manage VMware infrastructure including server deployments, creation of server and desktop templates, performance load balancing.
   • Manage UNIX base servers in a large corporate data center along with remotely locate servers throughout the U.S.
   • Manage network and system security, network permissions, PC software and hardware tracking, troubleshooting and relocation of office equipment.

   More systems administration analyst duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your systems administration analyst job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A systems administration analyst 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 systems administration analyst in Kentucky may be lower than in Massachusetts, and an entry-level systems administration analyst usually earns less than a senior-level systems administration analyst. Additionally, a systems administration analyst 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 systems administration analyst salary

   $67,604yearly

   $32.50 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level systems administration analyst salary

   $54,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average systems administration analyst salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$82,438	$40
   2	Massachusetts	$80,384	$39
   3	Washington	$73,880	$36
   4	Pennsylvania	$73,079	$35
   5	Virginia	$71,348	$34
   6	New York	$70,863	$34
   7	New Jersey	$70,621	$34
   8	Maryland	$69,971	$34
   9	Wisconsin	$69,539	$33
   10	Illinois	$68,463	$33
   11	Minnesota	$68,463	$33
   12	Texas	$67,427	$32
   13	Arizona	$67,306	$32
   14	North Carolina	$66,645	$32
   15	District of Columbia	$66,414	$32
   16	Georgia	$66,112	$32
   17	Florida	$63,353	$30
   18	Arkansas	$62,848	$30
   19	Alabama	$61,145	$29
   20	Oregon	$59,297	$29

   Average systems administration analyst salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Portland General Electric	$83,980	$40.38	8
   2	Recorded Future	$78,446	$37.71	4
   3	Costco Wholesale	$77,540	$37.28	5
   4	W. R. Grace & Co	$76,234	$36.65
   5	IBM	$75,913	$36.50	89
   6	AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC	$72,264	$34.74
   7	Florida Blue	$71,966	$34.60
   8	AmerisourceBergen	$71,564	$34.41
   9	Virgin Mobile USA	$69,870	$33.59
   10	Emerson	$69,501	$33.41	10
   11	Gwynedd Mercy University	$69,357	$33.34
   12	FHI 360	$69,270	$33.30
   13	Northside Hospital	$68,971	$33.16	8
   14	HCL Global Systems	$68,779	$33.07
   15	Erp Analysts	$67,915	$32.65
   16	JNIT	$67,867	$32.63
   17	Pursuit Collection	$67,833	$32.61
   18	Colorado State Express	$67,781	$32.59
   19	ProSol Associates	$67,781	$32.59
   20	Unicom Inc.	$67,761	$32.58

4. Writing a systems administration analyst job description

   A job description for a systems administration analyst role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a systems administration analyst job description:

   Systems administration analyst job description example

   ERP Systems Administrative Analyst I
   Salary: $75,000 to $94,806 Per Year / DOQ
   Position Type: Full-Time
   Close Date: Until Filled
   
   General Description:
   The purpose of this job class within the organization is to evaluate, data manage, develop, implement, administer, and maintain core City information systems/equipment. This position is defined as a Data administrator/analyst whose focus is on core ERP and utility management data systems and networks within the Information Technology Department (ITS). This class position title can be qualified by an expertise qualifier Systems Administrative Analyst I to differentiate the position's specific areas of expertise. This class position is versed in core systems, core applications, security, and services enough to maintain and expand development of new software application systems for changes in use, expansion of services and specific needs of departments and service requirements of the city. This class works under the direction of and within the IT Teams' structure, independently functioning within their division or across divisional lines, under limited supervision, reporting and communicating activities as necessary through periodic meetings or correspondence. Note: Work hours 8:00AM - 5:00PM, Monday - Friday (Operations hours 7:00AM - 4:00PM)
   
   Minimum Training and Experience: Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology or closely related field. Requires four years in System administration/analysis, direct advanced Cayenta administration or software application or closely related experience. The equivalent combination of education, training or related work experience may be considered.
   
   Special Certifications and Licenses: Valid Driver's License
   
   Criminal Justice Information System Security and Awareness Training Certification
   
   A plus if any of the following certifications is held: MCSE; RHCSA; LPI; VMware VCP-DCV; CCP-V; CCNA; Network+; CompTIA Security+; any Rock Hill equipment Vendor Computer certifications
   
   Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
   Extensive knowledge of all core Microsoft products, SQL, SharePoint, Teams, Microsoft 365, Azure, VMware, and backup functions, etc. Fluent knowledge in Windows or Linux server OS software. Fully proficient in Active Directory and LDAP environments; ability to lead or assist infrastructure designs, expansions, and security; contributes to determining core standards, governance and operational constraints. Excellent communications skills: Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, other administrative staff and department heads, subordinates, other City employees, sales representatives, service personnel, user groups, and the general public. Ability to adapt and grow into a changing environment for the purpose of continuous improvement and knowledge growth. Ability to load all software, inject into VMware environment, and connect and manage a SAN environment and to build out all security profiles, test and industrialize the applications and services required. Ability to analyze, extrapolate and deduct complex options and designs to safely and securely manipulate, customize or profile given software environments, operational challenges or functional needs of the organization. Ability to translate, extract, analyze, and present data, and create ad-hoc reports; fluent with Scripting, Powershell, SQL queuing, Microsoft Excel, Word, and related GIS software necessary to support and communicate. Ability to work within a team environment and demonstrate high level of customer service and able to build relationships. Ability to problem solve and to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team. Ability to demonstrate proficient technical documentation skills. Ability to act calmly and make sound decision under varying degrees of stress and uncertainty. Ability to recognize and understand the relationship between operating policies and practices versus morale and performance. Ability to pass a complete FBI / CJIS security background check. Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. Ability to maintain positive customer-focused relationships with co-workers, supervisors, agencies, the general public, and all other internal and external customers. Personally, demonstrates appropriate customer service skills. Work is performed onsite. The incumbent must be present at work to perform the essential functions of this job. Essential Job Functions:
   Provides support for Harris Products and specifically the Cayenta product line, or equivalent ERP/utility mgmt. application. This position will require this individual to be the subject matter expert on all functional and operational elements of the Cayenta CU & CF environments. Provides support for MDM (Meter Data Mgt) / AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) systems built around SmartWorks/MeterSense and Tantalus utility network for control, monitoring, billing and automation for City Electric and Water services management. Manages utility SQL databases and their subsequent need for customization on data servicing and report generation. Supports all third-party related applications and system services leveraging off of and/or for Cayenta, MDM and AMI service systems. Maintains, upgrades, patches and troubleshoots associated servers; works with other IT Teams to resolve technical issues and develop solutions for IT projects. Prepares and updates technical documentation and diagrams of new and existing systems. Responsible for leading and implementing any upgrades, patches, or subsequent modifications to the specific or related applications servicing the Cayenta and MDM/AMI environments. Responsible for complete and full command, understanding and control of these core systems, services, software, and functions in area of expertise. Serves as the subject matter expert on these various systems and processes in areas of responsibility. Evaluates and implements new technologies; responds to user tickets that are not easily solved by the Tier-1 support team or that apply directly to the servers or new project requests. Maintains all related security profiles or needs; can test and industrialize the applications and services as required; use and management of associated VMware and backup environments. Ability to analyze, extrapolate, and deduct complex options and designs to safely and securely manipulate, customize or profile given software environments, operational challenges or functional needs of the organization. Completes production tasks assigned by the divisional Manager including but not limited to designing, coordinating, planning, and implementing new applications or major new functionality to existing systems. Ensures that services and products presented are produced with quality and efficiency through best practice service delivery industrialization, problem mitigation, instructional guidance, quality and security assurance checks, and continuous improvement feedback. Demonstrates excellent communication skills to include public presentation, written emails, memos, procedures, and status reports resulting in regular communications with users and peers routinely via email, phone or in person. Willing and able to work within a team structure. Is the Level-3 support for these assigned system and user problems. Maintains up to date knowledge for all technologies being deployed, their functionality and application. Be fluent or have experiential exposure with a strong understanding of servers, databases, web services, GIS services, software languages, applications, and tools environments. Can translate, extract, analyze, and present data, and create ad-hoc reports; fluent with Scripting, Powershell, SQL querying, report writing, Microsoft Excel, Word, and related GIS software necessary to support and communicate. Follows standards, managerial directives and policies while demonstrating acute awareness and sensitivity to cyber security requirements of any action, support or activity taken. Trains users to use various new or modified software. Performs all other duties as assigned to meet organizational needs. Additional Duties: Research new and existing projects for process improvement, new ways of implementation. Integrate new and existing software products into current imaging and deployments system. Sit in on all customer related service meetings and provide consultation and technical knowledge to resolve or adapt to user or customer requirements. Be able to be the technical liaison to Vendors and ensure all tickets, modifications or any service relationship is followed through to completion with quality and timely conclusions. Work with various departments to resolve and service their ERP and Utility mgmt. needs, this includes but not limited to Utilities, Accounting, Customer Service, HR, etc. This Notice is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties, knowledge, skills and abilities required to do the job. This is intended only to describe the general nature of the job. A more comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and essential job functions is available on the job description. The City of Rock Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, political affiliation, disability, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), or age.

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find systems administration analysts for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your systems administration analyst job on Zippia to find and attract quality systems administration analyst candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with systems administration analyst 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.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   Sometimes, it's not enough to interview systems administration analyst 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 systems administration analyst

   Once you've found the systems administration analyst candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new systems administration analyst. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

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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