Technology Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Systems Administrator Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median systems administrator salary in Los Angeles, CA is $136,544 per year, which is 61.0% above the national median and 5.2% above the California state average.

City Median
$136,544
vs State Avg
+$6,785
vs National
+$51,734
Cost of Living
146%

Systems Administrator Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median systems administrator salary of $136,544, which is $6,785 above the California state average of $129,759. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $136,544 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $93,523. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for systems administrators in Los Angeles spans from $83,720 at the 10th percentile to $212,520 at the 90th percentile — a $128,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $88,550, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $201,250. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Systems Administrator Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $88,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $201,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$88,550
+$33,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$138,460
+$52,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$201,250
+$76,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $83,720
25th Percentile $107,870
Median (50th) $136,544
75th Percentile $173,880
90th Percentile $212,520

Systems Administrator Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Los Angeles

Education

Most systems administrator positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook

Nationally, systems administrator employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open systems administrator positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Los Angeles, California is $136,544 per year, which is 61.0% above the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $83,720 (10th percentile) to $212,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $136,544, a systems administrator in Los Angeles earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median systems administrator salary of $136,544 is 5.2% above the California state average of $129,759. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $136,544 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Los Angeles? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory, Networking. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.