How much money do system administrators make?

Answer 1

System Adminstrators' pay varies by several factors and a single amount cannot be determined. I can list the factors and their impact for everyone though:

Operating System - Windows System Administrators typically make the least because they are the most common and it is the easiest OS to administer as much of the information is listed or common knowledge -- UNIX System Administrators typically make more although the flavor of UNIX impacts their pays as well with Linux System Admnistrators making the most because they are in high demand while Solaris and AIX Administrators are not far behind.

Specialty - If you have a specialty in addition to being a System Administrator such as Scripting in UNIX and Security or Networking in Windows (and knowing Databases such as Sybase or SQL in both operating systems) your rates of pay will be affected.

State - Different states have different costs of living causing different rates of pay with California and Florida paying the most.

Overseas - Overseas System Administrators (from the US) typically make more than US located System Administrators. This is especially true of DoD/government contractors as the are perks such as being tax free and receiving somewhere around $40,000 addition pay for housing and $9000+ for cost of living depending on which country your are in.

Hope this helps anyone who finds this question.