Technology Raleigh, NC Pop. 467,665

Systems Administrator Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

The median systems administrator salary in Raleigh, NC is $86,506 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.2% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$86,506
vs State Avg
+$5,088
vs National
+$1,696
Cost of Living
98%

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

Raleigh offers a median systems administrator salary of $86,506, which is $5,088 above the North Carolina state average of $81,418. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Raleigh pays above average for this role.

Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh 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 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Systems Administrator Salary in Raleigh by Experience

In Raleigh, 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 98% 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 Raleigh, NC

Percentile Raleigh
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 North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$86,506
Pop. 874,579
Durham, NC
$83,962
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$78,025
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$76,329
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Raleigh

Education

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

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Raleigh

Browse open systems administrator positions in Raleigh, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Raleigh

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Raleigh, NC? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Raleigh, North Carolina 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 Raleigh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,506, a systems administrator in Raleigh earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Raleigh compare to the North Carolina state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Raleigh's median systems administrator salary of $86,506 is 6.2% above the North Carolina state average of $81,418. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC? ▼
Raleigh has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $86,506 in Raleigh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Raleigh? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Raleigh 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.