Technology Athens, GA Pop. 127,064

Systems Administrator Salary in Athens, Georgia

The median systems administrator salary in Athens, GA is $78,873 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.1% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$78,873
vs State Avg
$-2,545
vs National
$-5,937
Cost of Living
90%

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

Athens offers a median systems administrator salary of $78,873, which is $2,545 below the Georgia state average of $81,418. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens's cost of living is 90% 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 Athens spans from $48,360 at the 10th percentile to $122,760 at the 90th percentile — a $74,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,150, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,250. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Systems Administrator Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $51,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,150
$-3,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,980
$-6,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,250
$-8,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Athens, GA

Percentile Athens
10th Percentile $48,360
25th Percentile $62,310
Median (50th) $78,873
75th Percentile $100,440
90th Percentile $122,760

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$89,051
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$80,570
Pop. 147,780
Augusta, GA
$77,177
Pop. 202,081
Columbus, GA
$75,481
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Athens

Education

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

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Athens

Browse open systems administrator positions in Athens, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Athens

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Athens, GA? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Athens, Georgia is $78,873 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $48,360 (10th percentile) to $122,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Athens? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,873, a systems administrator in Athens earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Athens's median systems administrator salary of $78,873 is 3.1% below the Georgia state average of $81,418. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼
Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $78,873 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Athens? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Athens 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.