Technology Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Systems Administrator Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median systems administrator salary in Buffalo, NY is $86,506 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 22.7% below the New York state average.

City Median
$86,506
vs State Avg
$-25,443
vs National
+$1,696
Cost of Living
92%

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

Buffalo offers a median systems administrator salary of $86,506, which is $25,443 below the New York state average of $111,949. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Buffalo pays above average for this role.

Buffalo's cost of living is 92% 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 Buffalo spans from $53,040 at the 10th percentile to $134,640 at the 90th percentile — a $81,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,100, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,500. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Systems Administrator Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $56,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,100
+$1,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,720
+$1,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,500
+$2,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $53,040
25th Percentile $68,340
Median (50th) $86,506
75th Percentile $110,160
90th Percentile $134,640

Systems Administrator Salary in Other New York Cities

New York City, NY
$167,076
Pop. 8,336,817
Yonkers, NY
$122,975
Pop. 211,569
Albany, NY
$91,595
Pop. 99,224
Rochester, NY
$84,810
Pop. 211,328

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Buffalo

Education

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

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open systems administrator positions in Buffalo, NY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Buffalo, New York is $86,506 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $53,040 (10th percentile) to $134,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,506, a systems administrator in Buffalo earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Buffalo's median systems administrator salary of $86,506 is 22.7% below the New York state average of $111,949. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $86,506 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Buffalo? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Buffalo 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.