Technology Baltimore, MD Pop. 585,708

Systems Administrator Salary in Baltimore, Maryland

The median systems administrator salary in Baltimore, MD is $96,683 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 1.7% below the Maryland state average.

City Median
$96,683
vs State Avg
$-1,697
vs National
+$11,873
Cost of Living
108%

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

Baltimore offers a median systems administrator salary of $96,683, which is $1,697 below the Maryland state average of $98,380. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Baltimore pays above average for this role.

Baltimore's cost of living is 108% 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 Baltimore 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. As a major metro area with a population of 585,708, Baltimore typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Systems Administrator Salary in Baltimore by Experience

In Baltimore, 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 108% 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 Baltimore, MD

Percentile Baltimore
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 Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$108,557
Pop. 81,015
Columbia, MD
$105,164
Pop. 104,681
Germantown, MD
$102,620
Pop. 90,676
Waldorf, MD
$94,139
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Baltimore

Education

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

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Baltimore

Browse open systems administrator positions in Baltimore, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Baltimore

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Baltimore, MD? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Baltimore, Maryland 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 Baltimore? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,683, a systems administrator in Baltimore earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baltimore compare to the Maryland state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Baltimore's median systems administrator salary of $96,683 is 1.7% below the Maryland state average of $98,380. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baltimore, MD? ▼
Baltimore has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $96,683 in Baltimore has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Baltimore? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Baltimore 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.