System Administrator Jobs in California
System Administrator jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, finance, healthcare, and higher education, with openings at every level from junior help-desk crossovers through senior infrastructure engineers. The largest hiring hubs are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where established employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Oracle, and the University of California system maintain ongoing system administrator headcount. Network administration, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity-adjacent operations are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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About KaufmanIT
KaufmanIT, Inc., founded in 2010, is a growing and fast-paced IT services company located in Irvine, CA. We take a methodical approach to providing reliable technology support. Our primary focus is to work with our clients to understand their needs and determine the most efficient, cost-effective, reliable, and secure solutions.
We work to assess our clients’ current environments and understand their needs. We design, architect, implement, and maintain client environments in fashion, engineering, legal, financial, nonprofit, and professional services, among other industries.
Our goal is to increase productivity, improve security, reduce costs, and provide the greatest level of service, all while staying focused on learning about the most current technologies and how they can be applied to further the goals of the organizations we work with.
Job Description
We are currently seeking a skilled Level 2 Systems Administrator with the drive and determination to help support our growing client base.
Our technicians are responsible for maintaining and improving our clients’ work environments through effective remote maintenance and on-site field work, while providing exceptional customer care.
The Level 2 Systems Administrator will provide advanced technical support beyond basic Help Desk troubleshooting and will work across a variety of client environments. This position requires strong problem-solving skills, follow-through, effective utilization, detailed documentation, and exceptional customer service.
This individual will troubleshoot and resolve user, server, network, Microsoft 365, and infrastructure issues while coordinating with other technical resources when an issue requires escalation.
What Does the Job Entail?
- Provide remote and on-site IT support to small and medium-sized businesses.
- Troubleshoot escalated workstation, application, server, email, and network issues.
- Administer and troubleshoot Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace/G Suite environments.
- Administer Windows Server environments and server roles.
- Administer Active Directory, users, groups, permissions, and related services.
- Configure and troubleshoot networking hardware, including firewalls, VPNs, switches, and wireless equipment.
- Troubleshoot LAN/WAN performance, connectivity, and related network problems.
- Support advanced networking environments, including VLANs, firewalls, and VPNs.
- Administer LAN/WAN security, antivirus, and spam-control measures.
- Support cloud server configuration and management.
- Assist with server implementations, migrations, and upgrades.
- Assist with email and Microsoft 365 migrations.
- Coordinate and implement network software and hardware upgrades.
- Troubleshoot client/server applications and related infrastructure.
- Accurately document troubleshooting, actions taken, technical configurations, and resolutions.
- Escalate complex issues to senior technical resources when appropriate.
- Follow client-specific technical, security, and support procedures.
- Maintain strong client relationships and provide exceptional customer service.
- Participate in after-hours or weekend maintenance when required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What Skills, Qualities, and Experience Are We Looking For?
- Strong understanding of Windows Server technologies.
- Experience with current and legacy Windows Server environments.
- Experience with Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace/G Suite.
- Experience with Active Directory and Windows Server roles.
- Understanding of client/server application architecture.
- Ability to configure and troubleshoot networking hardware, including firewalls, VPNs, wireless equipment, and switches.
- Experience with networking concepts including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, firewalls, and VPNs.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work through complex technical problems and recognize when escalation is appropriate.
- Strong verbal, written, and organizational skills.
- Ability to meticulously document technical actions and settings.
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities.
- Professional, reliable, and client-focused.
- Strong desire to learn and grow professionally.
- Flexible schedule, as some work must be completed after hours or on weekends.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and access tight spaces, including under desks and in server closets.
Preferred, but Not Required
- Previous MSP experience.
- MCITP, MCTS, CCNA, A+, Network+, or similar technical certifications.
- Experience with ConnectWise, Nilear, or similar PSA/ticketing systems.
- Experience with NinjaOne or similar RMM tools.
- Experience performing server migrations or upgrades for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Mac and/or Linux experience.
Most clients are located in the Irvine area but range throughout Orange County, San Diego, and Los Angeles.
This position is ideal for someone who has a passion for computers, networking, and solving problems and has a strong desire to continue learning and growing professionally. There is opportunity for upward movement with demonstrated growth.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many years of professional IT support or systems administration experience do you have?
- What are you looking for in the range of pay?
- How many years of MSP experience do you have?
- Are you comfortable commuting to Irvine 5 days a week?
- Are you willing to undergo a background check, in accordance with local law and regulation?
- Do you have Networking and/or Server experience? Please explain.
Work Location: In person
About KaufmanIT
KaufmanIT, Inc., founded in 2010, is a growing and fast-paced IT services company located in Irvine, CA. We take a methodical approach to providing reliable technology support. Our primary focus is to work with our clients to understand their needs and determine the most efficient, cost-effective, reliable, and secure solutions.
We work to assess our clients’ current environments and understand their needs. We design, architect, implement, and maintain client environments in fashion, engineering, legal, financial, nonprofit, and professional services, among other industries.
Our goal is to increase productivity, improve security, reduce costs, and provide the greatest level of service, all while staying focused on learning about the most current technologies and how they can be applied to further the goals of the organizations we work with.
Job Description
We are currently seeking a skilled Level 2 Systems Administrator with the drive and determination to help support our growing client base.
Our technicians are responsible for maintaining and improving our clients’ work environments through effective remote maintenance and on-site field work, while providing exceptional customer care.
The Level 2 Systems Administrator will provide advanced technical support beyond basic Help Desk troubleshooting and will work across a variety of client environments. This position requires strong problem-solving skills, follow-through, effective utilization, detailed documentation, and exceptional customer service.
This individual will troubleshoot and resolve user, server, network, Microsoft 365, and infrastructure issues while coordinating with other technical resources when an issue requires escalation.
What Does the Job Entail?
- Provide remote and on-site IT support to small and medium-sized businesses.
- Troubleshoot escalated workstation, application, server, email, and network issues.
- Administer and troubleshoot Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace/G Suite environments.
- Administer Windows Server environments and server roles.
- Administer Active Directory, users, groups, permissions, and related services.
- Configure and troubleshoot networking hardware, including firewalls, VPNs, switches, and wireless equipment.
- Troubleshoot LAN/WAN performance, connectivity, and related network problems.
- Support advanced networking environments, including VLANs, firewalls, and VPNs.
- Administer LAN/WAN security, antivirus, and spam-control measures.
- Support cloud server configuration and management.
- Assist with server implementations, migrations, and upgrades.
- Assist with email and Microsoft 365 migrations.
- Coordinate and implement network software and hardware upgrades.
- Troubleshoot client/server applications and related infrastructure.
- Accurately document troubleshooting, actions taken, technical configurations, and resolutions.
- Escalate complex issues to senior technical resources when appropriate.
- Follow client-specific technical, security, and support procedures.
- Maintain strong client relationships and provide exceptional customer service.
- Participate in after-hours or weekend maintenance when required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What Skills, Qualities, and Experience Are We Looking For?
- Strong understanding of Windows Server technologies.
- Experience with current and legacy Windows Server environments.
- Experience with Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace/G Suite.
- Experience with Active Directory and Windows Server roles.
- Understanding of client/server application architecture.
- Ability to configure and troubleshoot networking hardware, including firewalls, VPNs, wireless equipment, and switches.
- Experience with networking concepts including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, firewalls, and VPNs.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work through complex technical problems and recognize when escalation is appropriate.
- Strong verbal, written, and organizational skills.
- Ability to meticulously document technical actions and settings.
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities.
- Professional, reliable, and client-focused.
- Strong desire to learn and grow professionally.
- Flexible schedule, as some work must be completed after hours or on weekends.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and access tight spaces, including under desks and in server closets.
Preferred, but Not Required
- Previous MSP experience.
- MCITP, MCTS, CCNA, A+, Network+, or similar technical certifications.
- Experience with ConnectWise, Nilear, or similar PSA/ticketing systems.
- Experience with NinjaOne or similar RMM tools.
- Experience performing server migrations or upgrades for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Mac and/or Linux experience.
Most clients are located in the Irvine area but range throughout Orange County, San Diego, and Los Angeles.
This position is ideal for someone who has a passion for computers, networking, and solving problems and has a strong desire to continue learning and growing professionally. There is opportunity for upward movement with demonstrated growth.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many years of professional IT support or systems administration experience do you have?
- What are you looking for in the range of pay?
- How many years of MSP experience do you have?
- Are you comfortable commuting to Irvine 5 days a week?
- Are you willing to undergo a background check, in accordance with local law and regulation?
- Do you have Networking and/or Server experience? Please explain.
Work Location: In person
See All 66 System Administrator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find System Administrator JobsSystem Administrator Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
System Administrator Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in system administrator jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field
- CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+ certification recognized by California technology employers
- Hands-on experience administering Linux and Windows Server environments
- Proficiency with virtualization platforms such as VMware or Hyper-V
- Experience configuring and maintaining enterprise network hardware and firewalls
- Familiarity with cloud platforms including AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
System Administrator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a system administrator in California?
California does not require a state-issued license to work as a system administrator, so the path runs through education and vendor credentials. Most California employers expect at least an associate or bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field. Earning industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or Red Hat Certified System Administrator strengthens a candidacy significantly with California's technology-heavy employer base.
How much do system administrators make in California?
System administrators in California earn a median of about $106,440 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $72,400 for the lowest 10% to over $166,730 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire system administrators in California?
Employers hiring system administrators in California right now include ASEC, Saalex, and Leidos, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's density of enterprise technology firms, large health systems, and public university campuses means demand is distributed across the state rather than confined to a single sector.
Which California cities have the most system administrator jobs?
San Diego, Los Angeles, and El Segundo account for the most system administrator openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of the concentration of enterprise technology headquarters and cloud-platform companies, while Los Angeles draws demand from media, healthcare, and financial services firms, and San Diego's openings are driven largely by defense contractors and biotech employers.
Are there remote system administrator jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than for purely desk-based roles, since system administrators are frequently needed on-site to manage physical hardware and data center infrastructure. About 33% of system administrator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. The functions most likely to be performed remotely are cloud operations, monitoring, and tier-two support work that does not require physical server access.
How can I get hired as a system administrator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an IT support or help-desk role, which is how most California system administrators start. Large California employers such as the UC system, Kaiser Permanente, and Northrop Grumman hire entry-level IT support associates and often promote from within. Earning a CompTIA A+ or Network+ certification before applying gives candidates a concrete edge, and community college IT programs throughout California offer accelerated pathways that California public employers and health systems actively recruit from.
Where can I find and apply to system administrator jobs in California?
You can find and apply to system administrator jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from California employers. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 66 System Administrator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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