Technology Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Systems Administrator Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median systems administrator salary in Durham, NC is $83,962 per year, which is 1% below the national median and 3.1% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$83,962
vs State Avg
+$2,544
vs National
$-848
Cost of Living
95%

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

Durham offers a median systems administrator salary of $83,962, which is $2,544 above the North Carolina state average of $81,418. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham'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 Durham spans from $51,480 at the 10th percentile to $130,680 at the 90th percentile — a $79,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,450, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,750. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Systems Administrator Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $54,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,450
$-550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,140
$-860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,750
$-1,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $51,480
25th Percentile $66,330
Median (50th) $83,962
75th Percentile $106,920
90th Percentile $130,680

Systems Administrator Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$86,506
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$86,506
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$78,025
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$76,329
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Durham

Education

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

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Durham

Browse open systems administrator positions in Durham, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Durham

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Durham, North Carolina is $83,962 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $51,480 (10th percentile) to $130,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,962, a systems administrator in Durham earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Durham's median systems administrator salary of $83,962 is 3.1% above the North Carolina state average of $81,418. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $83,962 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Durham? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Durham 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.