Technology Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Systems Administrator Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median systems administrator salary in Fort Collins, CO is $96,683 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 0.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$96,683
vs State Avg
+$848
vs National
+$11,873
Cost of Living
106%

Systems Administrator Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median systems administrator salary of $96,683, which is $848 above the Colorado state average of $95,835. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for systems administrators in Fort Collins spans from $59,280 at the 10th percentile to $150,480 at the 90th percentile — a $91,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,700, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,500. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Systems Administrator Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $62,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,700
+$7,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,040
+$12,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,500
+$17,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $59,280
25th Percentile $76,380
Median (50th) $96,683
75th Percentile $123,120
90th Percentile $150,480

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$115,342
Pop. 105,673
Denver, CO
$101,772
Pop. 715,522
Aurora, CO
$95,835
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$91,595
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Fort Collins

Education

Most systems administrator positions require a bachelor's degree. Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open systems administrator positions in Fort Collins, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $96,683 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $59,280 (10th percentile) to $150,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,683, a systems administrator in Fort Collins earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median systems administrator salary of $96,683 is 0.9% above the Colorado state average of $95,835. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $96,683 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Fort Collins? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Fort Collins 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.