IT systems administrator job description.
Thinking about hiring an IT systems administrator or pursuing the role yourself? This job description explains what’s involved in managing networks, servers, and backups. You'll learn the essential technical skills needed, routes to progress into engineering or management, and the typical salary offered for system admin roles.
What does an IT systems administrator do?
An IT systems administrator manages the servers, systems, and internal IT environment of a business. They ensure that infrastructure is stable, secure, and fit for purpose, often working across cloud and on-prem environments.
Responsibilities include server monitoring, user account management, permissions, patching, backups, and system upgrades. They also support access control and occasionally collaborate with security and DevOps teams.
In SMEs, the role may cover both infrastructure and user support. In larger companies, they focus on managing servers and may support migrations or work within a dedicated platform team.
Key responsibilities of an IT systems administrator.
IT systems administrators manage the internal systems that keep businesses running securely and efficiently. Their responsibilities typically include:
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Maintaining and configuring servers, networks, and virtual environments
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Managing user permissions, Active Directory, and access control
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Performing backups, system monitoring, and incident response
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Ensuring operating systems and security patches are up to date
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Troubleshooting system errors and resolving infrastructure issues
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Managing cloud platforms such as Microsoft 365, Azure, or AWS
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Supporting system documentation and internal audits
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Liaising with IT support staff on technical escalations
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Monitoring system performance and suggesting improvements
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Implementing infrastructure upgrades and supporting migrations
This role combines system oversight with operational IT management.
Skills and requirements for an IT systems administrator.
Systems administrators manage internal servers and tools. Employers typically look for:
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3–6 years of experience in systems administration or IT support
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Strong knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, and Exchange
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Experience managing backups, updates, and patching processes
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Familiarity with system monitoring and incident management tools
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Ability to troubleshoot server performance or availability issues
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Understanding of virtualisation and cloud-based infrastructure
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Skilled in scripting or automation for routine tasks
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Experience managing user permissions and software access
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Confidence maintaining documentation and system logs
Most systems administrators ensure uptime, access, and performance.
Average salary for an IT systems administrator.
In the UK, the average salary for an IT systems administrator typically ranges from £35,000 to £50,000, depending on server maintenance, network management, and cloud integration.
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Mid-level IT system admins tend to earn between £35,000 and £42,000
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Senior administrators overseeing critical infrastructure or security protocols may earn between £43,000 and £50,000
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Cloud experience (Azure, AWS, GCP) often leads to premium offers
Top salaries are offered by financial institutions, SaaS platforms, and managed service providers.
Career progression for an IT systems administrator.
An IT systems administrator ensures the smooth running of servers, networks, and internal infrastructure. It’s a critical support role with strong progression into architecture or management. A typical route includes:
IT support engineer / technician
Provides end-user support and assists with server issues under supervision.
IT systems administrator
Monitors and maintains networks, servers, and backups. Handles user access and patching.
Senior systems administrator
Manages virtualisation, security policies, and system performance.
IT infrastructure manager
Leads infrastructure teams and aligns systems with business continuity plans.
Head of IT / IT director
Sets IT strategy, oversees infrastructure investments, and ensures tech supports business objectives.
Cloud & Infrastructure Engineer
Network Engineer
Head of / Lead Infrastructure Engineer
salary guide
Our UK IT salary guide.
Systems administrators oversee internal systems, servers, and infrastructure. Offers should reflect the complexity of the tech stack and level of autonomy.
Our UK IT salary guide includes salary benchmarks, 2024 data comparisons, hiring trends, and projections through to 2026.
FAQS
IT systems administrator FAQs.
SysAdmins often oversee Windows Server environments, Active Directory, group policies, backups, local file servers, and virtualisation platforms like VMware or Hyper-V. In cloud-forward businesses, they may manage hybrid infrastructure with Azure AD, Intune, and cloud file systems.
Yes. While there is overlap, systems administrators are typically responsible for day-to-day maintenance, backups, and patching. Infrastructure engineers tend to design and build new systems — focusing more on scalability and future planning than daily operations.
Mid-sized companies and public sector organisations often rely on system administrators to maintain uptime across local networks and critical systems. In larger organisations, this role may be more specialised, focused on a subset of infrastructure or IT operations.
It’s very hands-on and often deeply embedded in networking and server configurations. Strong command-line usage, PowerShell scripting, DNS/DHCP understanding, and virtualisation management are commonly required.
Most systems administrators step into infrastructure engineer, cloud engineer, or IT manager roles. Others pursue specialisation in cyber security, backup and disaster recovery, or Microsoft enterprise systems.
