Systems Administrator vs AR/VR Developer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
AR/VR Developer
Build augmented and virtual reality experiences for gaming, enterprise, and training.
AR/VR Developer 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.
Systems Administrator vs AR/VR Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Systems Administrator | AR/VR Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,173 | $194,489 | Systems $48,316 |
| New York, NY | $120,157 | $166,830 | Systems $46,673 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,912 | $188,885 | Systems $44,973 |
| Austin, TX | $108,712 | $153,759 | Systems $45,047 |
| Chicago, IL | $104,809 | $144,495 | Systems $39,686 |
| Boston, MA | $127,175 | $172,806 | Systems $45,631 |
| London, UK | £76,827 | £103,650 | Systems $26,823 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,867 | CA$175,134 | Systems $44,267 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Systems Administrator or AR/VR Developer earn more?+
A AR/VR Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Systems Administrator is $99,130/year, compared to $135,980/year for a AR/VR Developer — a difference of $36,850 (37%).
Which has better career growth — Systems Administrator or AR/VR Developer?+
Systems Administrator roles are growing at 4% YoY while AR/VR Developer demand is growing at 38% YoY. AR/VR Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Systems Administrator to AR/VR Developer?+
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 — Systems Administrator or AR/VR Developer?+
AR/VR Developer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.