Technology Arizona (AZ) Rank #20 of 50

Systems Administrator Salary in Arizona

The median systems administrator salary in Arizona is $83,962 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $84,810.

Median Salary
$83,962
vs National
$-848
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Systems Administrator Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #20 out of 50 states for systems administrator compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for systems administrator pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $83,962 per year, systems administrators in Arizona earn $848 less than the national median of $84,810.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning systems administrator salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: systems administrators at the 10th percentile earn $51,480, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $130,680 — a $79,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $96,683.

Nationally, systems administrator employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for systems administrators across the country.

Systems Administrator Salary in Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $54,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,750 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,450
$-550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,140
$-860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,750
$-1,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $51,480
25th Percentile $66,330
Median (50th) $83,962
75th Percentile $106,920
90th Percentile $130,680

Systems Administrator Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for systems administrators in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Arizona

Education

Most systems administrator positions require a bachelor's degree. Arizona has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook in Arizona

Nationally, systems administrator employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arizona's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Arizona

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Arizona? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Arizona is $83,962 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $51,480 (10th percentile) to $130,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,962, a systems administrator in Arizona earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for systems administrators? ▼
Arizona ranks #20 out of 50 states for systems administrator pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level systems administrators earn $54,450, while senior professionals earn $123,750.
How does Arizona compare to other states for systems administrator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for systems administrators is Hawaii at $139,937. Arizona's median of $83,962 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($84,810) and Minnesota ($84,810).
What is the entry-level systems administrator salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level systems administrator in Arizona earns approximately $54,450 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $85,140. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $123,750.
What city in Arizona pays systems administrators the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for systems administrators, with a median salary of $96,683. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.