Technology Rhode Island (RI) Rank #14 of 50

Systems Administrator Salary in Rhode Island

The median systems administrator salary in Rhode Island is $89,899 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $84,810.

Median Salary
$89,899
vs National
+$5,089
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Systems Administrator Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #14 out of 50 states for systems administrator compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for systems administrator pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $89,899 per year, systems administrators in Rhode Island earn $5,089 more than the national median of $84,810.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning systems administrator salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: systems administrators at the 10th percentile earn $55,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $139,920 — a $84,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $92,443.

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 Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $58,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,500 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,300
+$3,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,160
+$5,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,500
+$7,500 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $89,899 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $55,120
25th Percentile $71,020
Median (50th) $89,899
75th Percentile $114,480
90th Percentile $139,920

Systems Administrator Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for systems administrators in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, systems administrator employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Rhode Island'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 $42,601 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Systems Administrator Roles in Rhode Island?

Get matched with recruiters hiring systems administrators in Rhode Island at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Rhode Island is $89,899 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $55,120 (10th percentile) to $139,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,899, a systems administrator in Rhode Island earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for systems administrators? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #14 out of 50 states for systems administrator pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level systems administrators earn $58,300, while senior professionals earn $132,500.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for systems administrator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for systems administrators is Hawaii at $139,937. Rhode Island's median of $89,899 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Virginia ($94,987) and New Hampshire ($90,747).
What is the entry-level systems administrator salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level systems administrator in Rhode Island earns approximately $58,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $91,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $132,500.
What city in Rhode Island pays systems administrators the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for systems administrators, with a median salary of $92,443. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.