TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Systems Administrator Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$182,105/yr
Typical range: $154,733 – $190,266
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Systems Administrator salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Systems Administrator Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $83,670 | $6,973 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $103,357 | $8,613 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $116,482 | $9,707 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $134,856 | $11,238 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $182,105 | $15,175 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $228,370 | $19,031 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $239,936 | $19,995 | +187% |
Current Salary
$182,105
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $88/hr
Next Level Target
$228,370
Principal · 14
+$46Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
20/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Systems Administrator salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Systems Administrators in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $182K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Systems Administrator make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $182K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $88/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Systems Administrator in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Administrator in Los Angeles, CA earns $155K–$190K/yr.