Technology Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Systems Administrator Salary in Helena, Montana

The median systems administrator salary in Helena, MT is $76,329 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$76,329
vs State Avg
$-848
vs National
$-8,481
Cost of Living
94%

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

Helena offers a median systems administrator salary of $76,329, which is $848 below the Montana state average of $77,177. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Helena's cost of living is 94% 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 Helena spans from $46,800 at the 10th percentile to $118,800 at the 90th percentile — a $72,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,500, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,500. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Systems Administrator Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $49,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,500
$-5,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,400
$-8,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,500
$-12,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $46,800
25th Percentile $60,300
Median (50th) $76,329
75th Percentile $97,200
90th Percentile $118,800

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$94,139
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$83,114
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$78,025
Pop. 117,116
Great Falls, MT
$71,240
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Helena

Education

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

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Helena

Browse open systems administrator positions in Helena, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Helena

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Helena, Montana is $76,329 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $46,800 (10th percentile) to $118,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,329, a systems administrator in Helena earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Helena's median systems administrator salary of $76,329 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $77,177. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $76,329 in Helena has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Helena? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Helena 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.