Technology Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Systems Administrator Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median systems administrator salary in Albuquerque, NM is $80,570 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$80,570
vs State Avg
+$1,697
vs National
$-4,240
Cost of Living
95%

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

Albuquerque offers a median systems administrator salary of $80,570, which is $1,697 above the New Mexico state average of $78,873. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque'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 Albuquerque spans from $49,400 at the 10th percentile to $125,400 at the 90th percentile — a $76,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,250, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,750. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Systems Administrator Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $52,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,250
$-2,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,700
$-4,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,750
$-6,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $49,400
25th Percentile $63,650
Median (50th) $80,570
75th Percentile $102,600
90th Percentile $125,400

Systems Administrator Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$93,291
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$78,025
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$74,633
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$69,544
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Albuquerque

Education

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

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open systems administrator positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $80,570 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $49,400 (10th percentile) to $125,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,570, a systems administrator in Albuquerque earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median systems administrator salary of $80,570 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $78,873. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $80,570 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Albuquerque? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Albuquerque 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.