Technology Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Systems Administrator Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median systems administrator salary in Boston, MA is $137,392 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 11.7% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$137,392
vs State Avg
+$14,417
vs National
+$52,582
Cost of Living
152%

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

Boston offers a median systems administrator salary of $137,392, which is $14,417 above the Massachusetts state average of $122,975. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $137,392 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $90,389. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for systems administrators in Boston spans from $84,240 at the 10th percentile to $213,840 at the 90th percentile — a $129,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $89,100, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $202,500. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Systems Administrator Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $89,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$89,100
+$34,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$139,320
+$53,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,500
+$77,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $84,240
25th Percentile $108,540
Median (50th) $137,392
75th Percentile $174,960
90th Percentile $213,840

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$144,177
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$101,772
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$97,532
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$91,595
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Boston

Education

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

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Boston

Browse open systems administrator positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Boston

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $137,392 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $84,240 (10th percentile) to $213,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $137,392, a systems administrator in Boston earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Boston's median systems administrator salary of $137,392 is 11.7% above the Massachusetts state average of $122,975. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $137,392 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Boston? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Boston 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.