Technology Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Systems Administrator Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median systems administrator salary in Iowa City, IA is $78,025 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 7.0% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$78,025
vs State Avg
+$5,088
vs National
$-6,785
Cost of Living
95%

Systems Administrator Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median systems administrator salary of $78,025, which is $5,088 above the Iowa state average of $72,937. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% 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 Iowa City spans from $47,840 at the 10th percentile to $121,440 at the 90th percentile — a $73,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,600, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,000. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Systems Administrator Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $50,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,120
$-6,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,000
$-10,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $47,840
25th Percentile $61,640
Median (50th) $78,025
75th Percentile $99,360
90th Percentile $121,440

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Des Moines, IA
$75,481
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$72,089
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$70,392
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$68,696
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Iowa City

Education

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

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open systems administrator positions in Iowa City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $78,025 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $47,840 (10th percentile) to $121,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,025, a systems administrator in Iowa City earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Iowa City's median systems administrator salary of $78,025 is 7.0% above the Iowa state average of $72,937. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $78,025 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Iowa City? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Iowa City 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.