Systems Administrator Salary in Cleveland, OH: $72,937 (2026)

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

Cleveland offers a median systems administrator salary of $72,937, which is $3,392 below the Ohio state average of $76,329. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $72,937 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $84,810 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for systems administrators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for systems administrators in Cleveland 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. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Systems Administrator Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, 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 86% 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	Cleveland	OH State	National
10th Percentile	$44,720	$46,800	$52,000
25th Percentile	$57,620	$60,300	$67,000
Median (50th)	$72,937	$76,329	$84,810
75th Percentile	$92,880	$97,200	$108,000
90th Percentile	$113,520	$118,800	$132,000

Percentile

Cleveland

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 Cleveland

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Cleveland, OH? ▼

The median systems administrator salary in Cleveland, Ohio 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 Cleveland? ▼

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

How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for systems administrator pay? ▼

Cleveland's median systems administrator salary of $72,937 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $76,329. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼

Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $72,937 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most systems administrator positions in Cleveland 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 Cleveland, Ohio