TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Systems Administrator Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$69,083/yr
Typical range: $65,700 – $80,787
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Systems Administrator salary by experience level in Chicago
Systems Administrator Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $69,083 | $5,757 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $85,338 | $7,112 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $96,175 | $8,015 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $111,346 | $9,279 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $150,358 | $12,530 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $188,557 | $15,713 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $198,106 | $16,509 | +187% |
Current Salary
$69,083
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $33/hr
Next Level Target
$85,338
Junior · 2
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
20/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Systems Administrator salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Systems Administrators in Chicago, IL earn approximately $69K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Systems Administrator make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $69K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $33/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Systems Administrator in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Administrator in Chicago, IL earns $128K–$157K/yr.