Software Engineer vs Systems Administrator salary
In Malaysia, a systems administrator earns about 4% more than a software engineer — $55,530 vs $53,319 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is MYR). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Systems Administrator$55,530/yr
- Monthly
- $4,619
- Hourly
- $27
- Range
- $38,527–$76,293
- 10-yr outlook
- +4%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Software Engineer | Systems Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $34,129 | $38,527 |
| 25th | $43,712 | $47,029 |
| Median | $53,319 | $55,530 |
| 75th | $65,039 | $65,924 |
| Senior (90th) | $76,784 | $76,293 |
National Malaysia figures in MYR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a software engineer or systems administrator earn more in Malaysia?
- A systems administrator earns more, at about RM 226,000 per year vs RM 217,000 for a software engineer — roughly 4% (RM 9,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Malaysia?
- A software engineer typically earns RM 138,900–RM 312,500, while a systems administrator earns RM 156,800–RM 310,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Malaysia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a software engineer averages about RM 18,100 and a systems administrator about RM 18,800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Malaysia, a software engineer earns about RM 138,900 while a systems administrator earns about RM 156,800 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Malaysia, a software engineer earns about RM 312,500 while a systems administrator earns about RM 310,500 per year.
- Are software engineer 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.