Technology South Carolina (SC) Rank #39 of 50

Systems Administrator Salary in South Carolina

The median systems administrator salary in South Carolina is $73,785 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $84,810.

Median Salary
$73,785
vs National
$-11,025
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Systems Administrator Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #39 out of 50 states for systems administrator compensation. Systems Administrator salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $73,785 per year, systems administrators in South Carolina earn $11,025 less than the national median of $84,810.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $73,785 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $82,904 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: systems administrators at the 10th percentile earn $45,240, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $114,840 — a $69,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $87,354.

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 South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $47,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,750 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,850
$-7,150 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,820
$-11,180 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,750
$-16,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $45,240
25th Percentile $58,290
Median (50th) $73,785
75th Percentile $93,960
90th Percentile $114,840

Systems Administrator Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for systems administrators in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Systems Administrator in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook in South Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Systems Administrator make in South Carolina? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in South Carolina is $73,785 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $45,240 (10th percentile) to $114,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,785, a systems administrator in South Carolina earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for systems administrators? ▼
South Carolina ranks #39 out of 50 states for systems administrator pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level systems administrators earn $47,850, while senior professionals earn $108,750.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for systems administrator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for systems administrators is Hawaii at $139,937. South Carolina's median of $73,785 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($74,633) and Louisiana ($73,785).
What is the entry-level systems administrator salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level systems administrator in South Carolina earns approximately $47,850 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $74,820. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $108,750.
What city in South Carolina pays systems administrators the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for systems administrators, with a median salary of $87,354. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.