Systems Administrator Salary in Bismarck, ND: $72,937 (2026)

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

Bismarck offers a median systems administrator salary of $72,937, which is $0 above the North Dakota state average of $72,937. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Bismarck pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Bismarck's cost of living is 90% 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 Bismarck spans from $44,720 at the 10th percentile to $113,520 at the 90th percentile — a $68,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,300, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $107,500. Bismarck is a smaller market (pop. 73,529), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Systems Administrator Salary in Bismarck by Experience

In Bismarck, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $47,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,500 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Percentile	Bismarck	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$44,720	$44,720	$52,000
25th Percentile	$57,620	$57,620	$67,000
Median (50th)	$72,937	$72,937	$84,810
75th Percentile	$92,880	$92,880	$108,000
90th Percentile	$113,520	$113,520	$132,000

Percentile

Bismarck

10th Percentile

$44,720

25th Percentile

$57,620

Median (50th)

$72,937

75th Percentile

$92,880

90th Percentile

$113,520

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Bismarck

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Bismarck

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Bismarck, ND? ▼

The median systems administrator salary in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $72,937, a systems administrator in Bismarck earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Bismarck compare to the North Dakota state average for systems administrator pay? ▼

Bismarck's median systems administrator salary of $72,937 is 0.0% above the North Dakota state average of $72,937. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Bismarck, ND? ▼

Bismarck has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $72,937 in Bismarck has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Bismarck? ▼

Most systems administrator positions in Bismarck 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 Bismarck, North Dakota