Systems Administrator vs IT Support Specialist: 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.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Systems Administrator earns more on average — the national median is $37,270/year (60%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Systems Administrator vs IT Support Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Systems Administrator | IT Support Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,173 | $92,808 | Systems +$53,365 |
| New York, NY | $120,157 | $72,917 | Systems +$47,240 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,912 | $86,967 | Systems +$56,945 |
| Austin, TX | $108,712 | $69,244 | Systems +$39,468 |
| Chicago, IL | $104,809 | $64,877 | Systems +$39,932 |
| Boston, MA | $127,175 | $79,215 | Systems +$47,960 |
| London, UK | £76,827 | £47,998 | Systems +$28,829 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,867 | CA$84,196 | Systems +$46,671 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Systems Administrator or IT Support Specialist earn more?+
A Systems Administrator earns more on average. The national median salary for a Systems Administrator is $99,130/year, compared to $61,860/year for a IT Support Specialist — a difference of $37,270 (60%).
Which has better career growth — Systems Administrator or IT Support Specialist?+
Systems Administrator roles are growing at 4% YoY while IT Support Specialist demand is growing at 5% YoY. IT Support Specialist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Systems Administrator to IT Support Specialist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Active Directory.
Which is harder to automate — Systems Administrator or IT Support Specialist?+
Systems Administrator has a lower AI automation risk (64% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.