Technology Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Systems Administrator Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median systems administrator salary in Denver, CO is $101,772 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median and 6.2% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$101,772
vs State Avg
+$5,937
vs National
+$16,962
Cost of Living
112%

Systems Administrator Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median systems administrator salary of $101,772, which is $5,937 above the Colorado state average of $95,835. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $101,772 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $90,868. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for systems administrators in Denver spans from $62,400 at the 10th percentile to $158,400 at the 90th percentile — a $96,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,000, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $150,000. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Systems Administrator Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $66,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,000
+$11,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,200
+$17,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,000
+$25,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $62,400
25th Percentile $80,400
Median (50th) $101,772
75th Percentile $129,600
90th Percentile $158,400

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$115,342
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$96,683
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$95,835
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$91,595
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Denver

Education

Most systems administrator positions require a bachelor's degree. Denver and the surrounding Colorado 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Denver

Browse open systems administrator positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Denver

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Denver, Colorado is $101,772 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $62,400 (10th percentile) to $158,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,772, a systems administrator in Denver earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Denver's median systems administrator salary of $101,772 is 6.2% above the Colorado state average of $95,835. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $101,772 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Denver? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Denver 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.