Systems Administrator Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $76,329 (2026)

Systems Administrator Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median systems administrator salary of $76,329, which is $5,089 below the North Carolina state average of $81,418. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $76,329 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $88,755 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for systems administrators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for systems administrators in Winston-Salem 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. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Systems Administrator Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, 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 86% 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

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$46,800	$49,920	$52,000
25th Percentile	$60,300	$64,320	$67,000
Median (50th)	$76,329	$81,418	$84,810
75th Percentile	$97,200	$103,680	$108,000
90th Percentile	$118,800	$126,720	$132,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$46,800

25th Percentile

$60,300

Median (50th)

$76,329

75th Percentile

$97,200

90th Percentile

$118,800

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Winston-Salem

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median systems administrator salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $76,329, a systems administrator in Winston-Salem earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for systems administrator pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median systems administrator salary of $76,329 is 6.3% below the North Carolina state average of $81,418. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $76,329 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most systems administrator positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Systems Administrator Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina