Software Engineer vs Systems Administrator: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $36,850/year (37%) higher than a Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Systems Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Systems Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $146,173 | Software +$48,777 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $120,157 | Software +$46,673 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $143,912 | Software +$45,556 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $108,712 | Software +$40,122 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $104,809 | Software +$45,157 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $127,175 | Software +$49,367 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £76,827 | Software $2,885 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$130,867 | Software $4,715 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or Systems Administrator earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $99,130/year for a Systems Administrator — a difference of $36,850 (37%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Systems Administrator?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Systems Administrator demand is growing at 4% YoY. Software Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to Systems Administrator?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Software Engineer or Systems Administrator?+
Software Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.