A Network and System Administrator salary in South Africa usually ranges from about R12,000 to R55,000+ per month, depending on experience, employer, location, certification level, infrastructure size, cloud exposure and whether the role focuses on servers, networks, Microsoft 365, Linux, Windows Server, firewalls, cybersecurity, backups, virtualisation, helpdesk escalation, data centres or enterprise IT operations. Senior administrators, cloud infrastructure engineers and network specialists can earn more.
Network and System Administrators keep an organisation’s IT infrastructure running. They manage users, devices, servers, networks, security, access, backups, updates, connectivity and system reliability.
Key takeaways
- Junior Network and System Administrators may earn around R12,000 to R20,000 per month.
- Network and System Administrators often earn between R20,000 and R35,000 per month.
- Senior Network or Systems Administrators may earn R35,000 to R55,000+ per month.
- Indeed reports Systems Administrator pay in Cape Town at about R26,902 per month.
- Indeed reports Systems Administrator pay in Gauteng at about R23,748 per month.
- Indeed reports IT Administrator pay in South Africa at about R15,558 per month.
- Indeed reports Senior Systems Administrator pay at about R34,162 per month, although based on a small sample.
- WageIndicator places Computer Network and Systems Technicians in a 2026 range of about R12,030 to R40,361 per month.
- Microsoft, Linux, Cisco, firewalls, cloud, virtualisation and cybersecurity skills can improve earning potential.
Network and System Administrator salary range in South Africa
| Experience level / role type | Estimated monthly salary |
|---|---|
| IT Support / Junior Administrator | R10,000 – R18,000 |
| Junior Systems Administrator | R12,000 – R20,000 |
| Network Administrator | R18,000 – R35,000 |
| Systems Administrator | R20,000 – R38,000 |
| Network and System Administrator | R22,000 – R45,000 |
| Senior Network Administrator | R32,000 – R55,000+ |
| Senior Systems Administrator | R34,000 – R60,000+ |
| Infrastructure Engineer / Cloud Administrator | R45,000 – R85,000+ |
Salary sources vary because these roles may be listed as Network Administrator, Systems Administrator, Network and Systems Administrator, IT Administrator, Server Administrator, Infrastructure Administrator, LAN Administrator, IT Support Engineer, Network Support Technician, Systems Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer or Cloud Administrator.
Indeed reports IT Administrator pay at about R15,558 per month in South Africa, while Junior Systems Administrator pay is about R11,328 per month, although based on a small sample. Indeed reports Systems Administrator pay at about R26,902 per month in Cape Town and R23,748 per month in Gauteng. For network-focused roles, Indeed reports Network Administrator pay at about R20,348 per month in Gauteng and about R32,828 per month in Johannesburg, although the Johannesburg sample is small. WageIndicator places Computer Network and Systems Technicians in South Africa in a 2026 salary range of about R12,030 to R40,361 per month.
What does a Network and System Administrator do?
A Network and System Administrator manages the IT systems that keep a business operational.
Typical duties include:
- Creating and managing user accounts
- Maintaining servers and workstations
- Managing Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
- Supporting Windows Server or Linux environments
- Configuring routers, switches and Wi-Fi
- Monitoring networks and system uptime
- Managing backups and disaster recovery
- Installing software and security updates
- Supporting firewalls and endpoint security
- Troubleshooting connectivity issues
- Managing Active Directory or Entra ID
- Supporting VPNs and remote access
- Maintaining printers, devices and peripherals
- Documenting IT procedures
- Escalating complex issues to vendors or senior engineers
In smaller businesses, one person may manage both network and systems administration. In larger companies, the network and server functions may be split into separate specialist teams.
What affects a Network and System Administrator salary?
Experience level
Junior administrators usually handle user support, account setup, device configuration and routine troubleshooting. Senior administrators may manage servers, security, networks, cloud infrastructure, backups, monitoring and business-critical systems.
Technical stack
Administrators with skills in Windows Server, Linux, Microsoft 365, Azure, AWS, VMware, Hyper-V, Cisco, Fortinet, MikroTik, Sophos, Active Directory, Entra ID, PowerShell and backup platforms may earn more.
Company size
A small company administrator may be a generalist handling everything from printers to Wi-Fi. Enterprise administrators may manage larger environments with stricter security, uptime, compliance and change-control requirements.
Certifications
Certifications can help, especially for early-career and mid-level roles. Useful examples include CompTIA Network+, Security+, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Cisco CCNA, Linux, Fortinet and VMware-related certifications.
Cloud and cybersecurity exposure
Cloud, identity management, endpoint security, firewalls, backup resilience, disaster recovery and cybersecurity monitoring can push salaries higher because infrastructure risk has become more important.
IT Support / Junior Administrator salary
An IT Support or Junior Administrator may earn around R10,000 to R18,000 per month.
At this level, the person may reset passwords, set up laptops, troubleshoot user issues, install software, support printers, log tickets and escalate complex problems.
Junior Systems Administrator salary
A Junior Systems Administrator may earn around R12,000 to R20,000 per month.
Indeed reports Junior Systems Administrator pay at about R11,328 per month, but this is based on a very small sample. A practical range may be higher where the role includes server, Microsoft 365, Active Directory or cloud support.
Network Administrator salary
A Network Administrator may earn around R18,000 to R35,000 per month.
Network Administrators focus on connectivity, switches, routers, Wi-Fi, firewalls, VPNs, VLANs, internet links and network monitoring. Johannesburg and enterprise roles may pay more where the environment is complex.
Systems Administrator salary
A Systems Administrator may earn around R20,000 to R38,000 per month.
Systems Administrators usually focus on servers, users, operating systems, updates, virtual machines, backups, storage, Microsoft 365, Active Directory and business applications.
Senior Network Administrator salary
A Senior Network Administrator may earn around R32,000 to R55,000+ per month.
Indeed reports Senior Network Administrator pay at about R32,968 per month, although based on a small sample. Senior network roles may pay more where they include enterprise firewalls, data centres, SD-WAN, cloud networking, security and multi-site infrastructure.
Senior Systems Administrator salary
A Senior Systems Administrator may earn around R34,000 to R60,000+ per month.
Indeed reports Senior Systems Administrator pay at about R34,162 per month, but from a small sample. Senior systems roles may pay more where the person manages critical infrastructure, cloud environments, virtualisation, backups, monitoring and security controls.
Infrastructure Engineer salary
An Infrastructure Engineer or Cloud Administrator may earn around R45,000 to R85,000+ per month.
This role may include cloud infrastructure, automation, virtualisation, identity management, security hardening, disaster recovery, monitoring, architecture and vendor management.
Network Administrator vs Systems Administrator salary
A Network Administrator focuses mainly on connectivity, routing, switching, firewalls, Wi-Fi and network performance.
A Systems Administrator focuses mainly on servers, operating systems, users, applications, backups, storage and identity management. Salaries overlap strongly because many companies combine both functions in one role.
Network and System Administrator vs IT Support Technician salary
An IT Support Technician usually handles frontline user support, device setup and troubleshooting.
A Network and System Administrator has more responsibility for infrastructure, security, uptime, servers, networks and business-critical systems. Administrators usually earn more once they move beyond first-line support.
Network and System Administrator vs Cybersecurity Analyst salary
A Network and System Administrator keeps infrastructure running and secure.
A Cybersecurity Analyst focuses more specifically on threats, vulnerabilities, monitoring, incident response, security tools and risk. Administrators with cybersecurity skills may move into security roles that can pay more at senior levels.
How to earn more as a Network and System Administrator
To increase earning potential, build stronger infrastructure, cloud and security skills.
Useful areas include:
- Windows Server
- Linux administration
- Active Directory
- Microsoft Entra ID
- Microsoft 365
- Azure
- AWS
- VMware
- Hyper-V
- Cisco networking
- Fortinet, Sophos or MikroTik firewalls
- VPNs and remote access
- Backup and disaster recovery
- PowerShell scripting
- Monitoring tools
- Endpoint security
- Cybersecurity basics
- IT documentation
- Vendor management
The strongest Network and System Administrators are calm troubleshooters. They keep systems reliable, secure and well-documented so that the business can operate without constant IT interruptions.
FAQ: Network and System Administrator salary
What is the average Network and System Administrator salary in South Africa?
A practical Network and System Administrator salary range in South Africa is about R12,000 to R55,000+ per month, depending on experience and technical responsibility. WageIndicator places Computer Network and Systems Technicians in a 2026 range of about R12,030 to R40,361 per month.
How much does a Systems Administrator earn in South Africa?
Indeed reports Systems Administrator pay at about R26,902 per month in Cape Town and about R23,748 per month in Gauteng. A practical Systems Administrator range is about R20,000 to R38,000 per month, with senior roles earning more.
How much does a Network Administrator earn in South Africa?
Indeed reports Network Administrator pay at about R20,348 per month in Gauteng and about R32,828 per month in Johannesburg, although the Johannesburg sample is small. A practical Network Administrator range is about R18,000 to R35,000 per month.
Is Network Administrator the same as Systems Administrator?
No, although many roles overlap. Network Administrators focus on connectivity, firewalls, routers, switches and Wi-Fi. Systems Administrators focus on servers, users, operating systems, backups and applications.
What qualifications do Network and System Administrators need?
Many employers look for IT diplomas, degrees or certifications, plus practical experience. Useful certifications include CompTIA Network+, Microsoft, Cisco CCNA, Linux, Azure, AWS, Fortinet and security-related certifications.
Is network and systems administration a good career?
Yes. It can be a strong IT career for someone who enjoys troubleshooting, infrastructure, systems, networking and security. It can lead into cloud engineering, infrastructure engineering, cybersecurity, DevOps, network engineering or IT management.
What jobs can a Network and System Administrator move into?
A Network and System Administrator can move into roles such as Senior Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Cloud Administrator, Cloud Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Manager, Systems Engineer, DevOps Engineer or Solutions Architect.
Sources
- Indeed Network Administrator salary data https://za.indeed.com/career/network-administrator/salaries
- Indeed Gauteng Network Administrator salary data https://za.indeed.com/career/network-administrator/salaries/Gauteng
- Indeed Johannesburg Network Administrator salary data https://za.indeed.com/career/network-administrator/salaries/Johannesburg–Gauteng
- Indeed Systems Administrator salary data https://za.indeed.com/career/systems-administrator/salaries
- Indeed Cape Town Systems Administrator salary data https://za.indeed.com/career/systems-administrator/salaries/Cape-Town–Western-Cape
- Indeed Gauteng Systems Administrator salary data https://za.indeed.com/career/systems-administrator/salaries/Gauteng
- Indeed Junior Systems Administrator salary data https://za.indeed.com/career/junior-systems-administrator/salaries
- Indeed Senior Systems Administrator salary data https://za.indeed.com/career/senior-systems-administrator/salaries
- Indeed Senior Network Administrator salary data https://za.indeed.com/career/senior-network-administrator/salaries
- Indeed IT Administrator salary data https://za.indeed.com/career/it-administrator/salaries
- WageIndicator Computer Network and Systems Technicians salary data https://wageindicator.org/en-za/work-in-south-africa/role-and-pay/south-africa-computer-network-and-systems
- WageIndicator Information and Communications Technology Operations Technicians salary data https://wageindicator.org/en-za/work-in-south-africa/role-and-pay/information-and-communications-technology-operations-technicians
- WageIndicator Systems Analysts salary data https://wageindicator.org/en-za/work-in-south-africa/role-and-pay/systems-analysts
- PayScale Computer / Network Support Technician salary data https://www.payscale.com/research/ZA/Job%3DComputer_%2F_Network_Support_Technician/Salary
- Glassdoor Computer and Network Technician Cape Town salary examples https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/cape-town-south-africa-computer-and-network-technician-salary-SRCH_IL.0%2C22_IM1026_KO23%2C54.htm