Home > Salary > South Africa > Unix System Administrator
A Unix system administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining the operation, security, and performance of Unix-based computer systems. They are experts in Unix operating systems and ensure the smooth functioning of servers, networks, and related infrastructure. Their tasks include installing and configuring software, troubleshooting system issues, monitoring system performance, managing user accounts and access permissions, and ensuring data backups and disaster recovery plans are in place. Unix system administrators also play a crucial role in implementing and maintaining security measures to protect against unauthorized access or data breaches.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 210,684 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,557 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,052 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 101 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 16,997 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,922 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 98 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-03
Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,532 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 878 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 203 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 210,684 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,557 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,052 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 101 ZAR per hour
By working as Unix System Administrator a person can save up to 606 USD per month or 7,278 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Unix System Administrator
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Unix System Administrator salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Unix System Administrator in South Africa is approximately 210,684 ZAR (10,532 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Unix System Administrator do?

Skills: Unix system administration, Server management, Network administration, System troubleshooting, Security implementation, Data backup and recovery.
Job industry: Information technology
Job industry: Information technology
How much does Unix System Administrator make?
Salary details
How much does Unix System Administrator make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 210,684 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,557 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,052 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 101 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 203,960 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 16,997 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,922 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 98 ZAR per hour
Unix System Administrator estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 10,532 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 878 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 203 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 5 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
Please type in your occupation and select desired country to see latest trends in salaries.
Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Unix System Administrator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Unix System Administrator in South Africa earns on average:
1.66 times the average salary (or 166% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Unix System Administrator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Unix System Administrator in South Africa earns on average:
1.66 times the average salary (or 166% of average salary).
Is Unix System Administrator a well paid job?
Yes, our data shows that Unix System Administrator is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Unix System Administrator?
High salary for Unix System Administrator would be somewhere between 231,752 ZAR and 305,492 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Unix System Administrator in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 210,684 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,557 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,052 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 101 ZAR per hour
By working as Unix System Administrator a person can save up to 606 USD per month or 7,278 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Unix System Administrator
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
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