Technology Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Systems Administrator Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median systems administrator salary in Milwaukee, WI is $78,025 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$78,025
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-6,785
Cost of Living
92%

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

Milwaukee offers a median systems administrator salary of $78,025, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $78,025. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% 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 Milwaukee spans from $47,840 at the 10th percentile to $121,440 at the 90th percentile — a $73,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,600, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,000. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Systems Administrator Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $50,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,120
$-6,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,000
$-10,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

Percentile Milwaukee
10th Percentile $47,840
25th Percentile $61,640
Median (50th) $78,025
75th Percentile $99,360
90th Percentile $121,440

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$84,810
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$76,329
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$74,633
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$72,937
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Milwaukee

Education

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

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open systems administrator positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $78,025 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $47,840 (10th percentile) to $121,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,025, a systems administrator in Milwaukee earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median systems administrator salary of $78,025 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $78,025. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $78,025 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Milwaukee? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Milwaukee 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.