Technology

How to become a Systems Administrator

From help desk: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2–4 years

Typical pay

$68k–$92k

Starting from

Help desk

The steps

1. 1

   Move up from help desk

   The natural progression, and the one hiring managers expect.

   1–2 years

   Course that covers thisCompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) & Core 2 (220-1202) Full CourseUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   Learn Windows Server and Linux

   Active Directory, group policy, and enough bash to be dangerous.

   6–12 months

3. 3

   Get scripting

   PowerShell or Python. Automating your own job is how you get time to grow.

   Course that covers this380+ Exercises - Python Programming Mega Pack - Built-inUdemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   Add a cloud certification

   Pure on-prem sysadmin roles are shrinking; hybrid skills are not.

   Azure Administrator

   Course that covers thisAZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals 6 Practice Tests 2026Udemy · around $19.99 →

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.