2025 State of Sysadmin
Against all odds and gravitational forces, IT systems remain operational — mostly thanks to sysadmins tirelessly holding everything together thanks to a mix of determination, last-minute patches, and rocket fuel (i.e., the sludge-like coffee that’s been sitting in machine for the last 3 hours).
Budgets are tighter than an airlock, AI is either the next great copilot or a rogue system on the verge of disaster, and yet, the mission continues.
The 2025 State of Sysadmin report compiles insights from over 1,000 of your fellow IT navigators on what’s working, what’s failing, and what’s just barely holding on. Download the report to learn about ...
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Sysadmin salaries
The median salary range for sysadmins is $75,000 to $99,999. But one factor influences salaries more than most: the fourth dimension (time). The highest earners typically have 10+ years of experience.
That said, industry also makes a big difference. Sysadmins in professional services, technology, and healthcare tend to earn higher salaries, whereas those in education are more likely to get sucked into financial black holes.
IT career concerns
The top IT industry concern? Security. Keeping systems safe is like trying to prevent space debris from slamming into your spacecraft — there’s always something out there that could ruin your day.
AI integration is also a common concern. Because what’s more comforting than handing control of your infrastructure over to an algorithm with questionable judgment? While AI promises to streamline processes, it also comes with the delightful risk of unpredictable outcomes.
Cybersecurity trends
Fewer sysadmins report experiencing a cyberattack in the last 5 years, and more of you feel prepared for battle.
The catch? Many sysadmins concerned with security still don’t train users in best practices, so their human shields are faulty, at best.
Team and budget shifts in 2025
Most respondents report that their crew sizes and budgets will either stay on course or expand this year. Yet a select few (mostly in education) fear their missions might be cut short by shrinkage ahead.
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