Systems Administrator Salary in Arlington, Virginia
The median systems administrator salary in Arlington, VA is $118,734 per year, which is 40.0% above the national median and 25.0% above the Virginia state average.
Systems Administrator Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)
Arlington offers a median systems administrator salary of $118,734, which is $23,747 above the Virginia state average of $94,987. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Arlington pays above average for this role.
However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $118,734 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $89,950. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for systems administrators in Arlington spans from $72,800 at the 10th percentile to $184,800 at the 90th percentile — a $112,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,000, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $175,000. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Systems Administrator Salary in Arlington by Experience
In Arlington, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $77,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $175,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA
| Percentile | Arlington |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $72,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,800 |
| Median (50th) | $118,734 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $184,800 |
Systems Administrator Salary in Other Virginia Cities
How to Become a Systems Administrator in Arlington
Education
Most systems administrator positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, systems administrator employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Arlington
Browse open systems administrator positions in Arlington, VA: