Technology Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Systems Administrator Salary in Colorado

The median systems administrator salary in Colorado is $95,835 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $84,810.

Median Salary
$95,835
vs National
+$11,025
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Systems Administrator Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for systems administrator compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for systems administrator pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $95,835 per year, systems administrators in Colorado earn $11,025 more than the national median of $84,810.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning systems administrator salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: systems administrators at the 10th percentile earn $58,760, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $149,160 — a $90,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $115,342.

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 Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $62,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $141,250 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,150
+$7,150 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,180
+$11,180 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$141,250
+$16,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $58,760
25th Percentile $75,710
Median (50th) $95,835
75th Percentile $122,040
90th Percentile $149,160

Systems Administrator Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for systems administrators in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Colorado

Education

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

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook in Colorado

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Colorado

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Colorado? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Colorado is $95,835 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $58,760 (10th percentile) to $149,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,835, a systems administrator in Colorado earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for systems administrators? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for systems administrator pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level systems administrators earn $62,150, while senior professionals earn $141,250.
How does Colorado compare to other states for systems administrator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for systems administrators is Hawaii at $139,937. Colorado's median of $95,835 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oregon ($98,380) and Connecticut ($97,532).
What is the entry-level systems administrator salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level systems administrator in Colorado earns approximately $62,150 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $97,180. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $141,250.
What city in Colorado pays systems administrators the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for systems administrators, with a median salary of $115,342. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.