📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Systems Administrator Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$128,538
per year
Median
$122,177
per year
Hourly
$61.8
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$81,586
25th Percentile — Junior$105,865
50th Percentile — Median$122,177
75th Percentile — Senior$160,492
90th Percentile — Top Earners$181,158
💡 Top-earning Systems Administrators in California make up to $181,158 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$112.0k
2021
$115.1k
2022
$118.3k
2023
$121.6k
2024
$125.0k
2025
$128.5k
2026
📈 Systems Administrator salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.8% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Systems Administrator Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $199,234 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $190,236 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $221,085 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $237,795 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $138,821 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $156,816 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $186,380 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $138,821 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $182,524 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $179,953 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $164,529 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $151,675 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $199,234 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $151,675 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $143,963 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $156,816 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $147,819 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $190,236 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $205,661 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Systems Administrator Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Systems Administrators. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $128,538 per year, California's Systems Administrator salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $81,586–$105,865, while experienced Systems Administrators can command $160,492–$181,158.

Looking ahead, the Systems Administrator profession in California is projected to grow at 2.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Systems Administrator salary in California is $128,538 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $90,520.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Systems Administrators the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Systems Administrator employment.
  • At $128,538/year, California Systems Administrator salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $90,520/year.