Technology Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Systems Administrator Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median systems administrator salary in Chesapeake, VA is $89,899 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 5.4% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$89,899
vs State Avg
$-5,088
vs National
+$5,089
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median systems administrator salary of $89,899, which is $5,088 below the Virginia state average of $94,987. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Chesapeake pays above average for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $55,120 at the 10th percentile to $139,920 at the 90th percentile — a $84,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,300, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,500. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Systems Administrator Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $58,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% 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

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

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

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$118,734
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$93,291
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$91,595
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$88,202
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open systems administrator positions in Chesapeake, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Chesapeake, Virginia 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 Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,899, a systems administrator in Chesapeake earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median systems administrator salary of $89,899 is 5.4% below the Virginia state average of $94,987. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $89,899 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Chesapeake? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Chesapeake 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.