Technology Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Systems Administrator Salary in Houston, Texas

The median systems administrator salary in Houston, TX is $86,506 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 4.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$86,506
vs State Avg
+$3,392
vs National
+$1,696
Cost of Living
96%

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

Houston offers a median systems administrator salary of $86,506, which is $3,392 above the Texas state average of $83,114. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Houston pays above average for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $53,040 at the 10th percentile to $134,640 at the 90th percentile — a $81,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,100, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,500. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Systems Administrator Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $56,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,100
+$1,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,720
+$1,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,500
+$2,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $53,040
25th Percentile $68,340
Median (50th) $86,506
75th Percentile $110,160
90th Percentile $134,640

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$94,139
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$89,899
Pop. 1,304,379
Fort Worth, TX
$83,114
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$79,721
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Houston

Education

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

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Houston

Browse open systems administrator positions in Houston, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Houston

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Houston, Texas is $86,506 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $53,040 (10th percentile) to $134,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,506, a systems administrator in Houston earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Houston's median systems administrator salary of $86,506 is 4.1% above the Texas state average of $83,114. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $86,506 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Houston? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Houston 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.