Pay by Role
Canada · Salary comparison

IT Support Specialist vs Systems Administrator salary

In Canada, a systems administrator earns about 42% more than a it support specialist $109,423 vs $76,949 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CAD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Technology
IT Support Specialist
$76,949/yr
Monthly
$6,424
Hourly
$37
Range
$56,194$102,364
10-yr outlook
+6%
Pays more
Technology
Systems Administrator
$109,423/yr
Monthly
$9,107
Hourly
$53
Range
$75,961$150,369
10-yr outlook
+4%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileIT Support SpecialistSystems Administrator
Entry (10th)$56,194$75,961
25th$66,572$92,692
Median$76,949$109,423
75th$89,656$129,896
Senior (90th)$102,364$150,369

National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Technology comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a it support specialist or systems administrator earn more in Canada?
A systems administrator earns more, at about $155,000 per year vs $109,000 for a it support specialist — roughly 42% ($46,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
A it support specialist typically earns $79,600–$145,000, while a systems administrator earns $107,600–$213,000 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
On a monthly basis before tax, a it support specialist averages about $9,100 and a systems administrator about $12,900.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in Canada, a it support specialist earns about $79,600 while a systems administrator earns about $107,600 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in Canada, a it support specialist earns about $145,000 while a systems administrator earns about $213,000 per year.
Are it support specialist and systems administrator similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.