Average salary, compensation, and wages for Computer support specialists and systems administrators in the United States


Median annual earnings of computer support specialists were $39,100 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,760 and $51,680. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,060, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $67,550. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer support specialists in 2002 were:

Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers $46,740
Software publishers 42,870
Computer systems design and related services 41,110
Management of companies and enterprises 40,850
Elementary and secondary schools 33,480



Median annual earnings of network and computer systems administrators were $54,810 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $43,290 and $69,530. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,460, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $86,440. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of network and computer systems administrators in 2002 were:

Wired telecommunications carriers $59,710
Computer systems design and related services 58,790
Management of companies and enterprises 58,610
Data processing, hosting, and related services 56,140
Elementary and secondary schools 48,350



According to Robert Half International, starting salaries in 2003 ranged from $27,500 to $56,500 for help-desk support staff, and from $51,000 to $67,250 for more senior technical support specialists. For systems administrators, starting salaries in 2003 ranged from $49,000 to $70,250.



More information on Computer support specialists and systems administrators from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Overview of Computer support specialists and systems administrators occupation
Number of Computer support specialists and systems administrators in the U.S.
Salary and earnings for Computer support specialists and systems administrators
Working conditions for Computer support specialists and systems administrators
Significant points for Computer support specialists and systems administrators
Training requirements for Computer support specialists and systems administrators




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