Systems Administrator Salary in Madison, Wisconsin
The median systems administrator salary in Madison, WI is $84,810 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average.
Systems Administrator Pay in Madison: What to Expect (2026)
Madison offers a median systems administrator salary of $84,810, which is $6,785 above the Wisconsin state average of $78,025. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Madison pays above average for this role.
Madison's cost of living is 100% 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 Madison spans from $52,000 at the 10th percentile to $132,000 at the 90th percentile — a $80,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,000, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $125,000. With a population of 269,840, Madison is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Systems Administrator Salary in Madison by Experience
In Madison, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $55,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $125,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Madison, WI
| Percentile | Madison |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,000 |
| Median (50th) | $84,810 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $132,000 |
Systems Administrator Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities
How to Become a Systems Administrator in Madison
Education
Most systems administrator positions require a bachelor's degree. Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin 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 Madison may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Madison
Browse open systems administrator positions in Madison, WI: