Technology North Dakota (ND) Rank #41 of 50

Systems Administrator Salary in North Dakota

The median systems administrator salary in North Dakota is $72,937 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $84,810.

Median Salary
$72,937
vs National
$-11,873
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Systems Administrator Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #41 out of 50 states for systems administrator compensation. Systems Administrator salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $72,937 per year, systems administrators in North Dakota earn $11,873 less than the national median of $84,810.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $72,937 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $81,041 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: systems administrators at the 10th percentile earn $44,720, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $113,520 — a $68,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $76,329.

Nationally, systems administrator employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for systems administrators across the country.

Systems Administrator Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $47,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,500 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,300
$-7,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,960
$-12,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$107,500
$-17,500 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $72,937 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $44,720
25th Percentile $57,620
Median (50th) $72,937
75th Percentile $92,880
90th Percentile $113,520

Systems Administrator Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for systems administrators in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Systems Administrator in North Dakota

Education

Most systems administrator positions require a bachelor's degree. North Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook in North Dakota

Nationally, systems administrator employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). North Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Systems Administrators who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $34,563 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Systems Administrator Roles in North Dakota?

Get matched with recruiters hiring systems administrators in North Dakota at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Systems Administrator make in North Dakota? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in North Dakota is $72,937 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $44,720 (10th percentile) to $113,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,937, a systems administrator in North Dakota earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for systems administrators? ▼
North Dakota ranks #41 out of 50 states for systems administrator pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level systems administrators earn $47,300, while senior professionals earn $107,500.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for systems administrator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for systems administrators is Hawaii at $139,937. North Dakota's median of $72,937 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($73,785) and Iowa ($72,937).
What is the entry-level systems administrator salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level systems administrator in North Dakota earns approximately $47,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $73,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $107,500.
What city in North Dakota pays systems administrators the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for systems administrators, with a median salary of $76,329. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.