Cloud computing is transforming the way businesses operate, and managing AWS infrastructure efficiently has become essential. An AWS SysOps Administrator ensures that cloud systems run smoothly, remain secure, and are cost-optimized.
In this blog, we will explore the roles, responsibilities, certification paths, job opportunities, and salary insights for AWS SysOps professionals.
Table of Contents:
Who is an AWS SysOps Administrator?
Before diving into the roles and responsibilities, it’s important to understand who an AWS SysOps Administrator is.
An AWS SysOps Administrator is responsible for deploying, managing, and operating systems on the AWS platform throughout the entire lifecycle of a cloud project. These professionals ensure that cloud infrastructure runs reliably, securely, and efficiently in production environments.
In addition to managing day-to-day AWS operations, SysOps Administrators handle infrastructure maintenance, system monitoring, and performance optimization. They also play a key role in cost optimization by monitoring usage, managing billing, and ensuring resources are used efficiently.
Overall, AWS SysOps Administrators act as the backbone of an organization’s AWS infrastructure, ensuring high availability, operational stability, and cost-effective cloud operations.
AWS SysOps Administrator Roles and Responsibilities
The role of an AWS SysOps Administrator focuses on managing, monitoring, and maintaining AWS infrastructure in production environments. Unlike purely development-focused roles, SysOps administrators are responsible for the reliability, security, and operational efficiency of cloud systems.
Key responsibilities include:
- Configuring, managing, and operating AWS cloud services across environments
- Monitoring AWS resources and system metrics using Amazon CloudWatch
- Managing backups, snapshots, and disaster recovery strategies
- Automating infrastructure deployment and updates using AWS CloudFormation
- Implementing security controls, IAM policies, and access management
- Optimizing AWS costs through resource monitoring, tagging, and budgeting
- Managing VPCs, Bastion Hosts, and secure access points
- Performing system maintenance such as patching, upgrades, and performance tuning
AWS SysOps Administrators often collaborate with DevOps engineers and development teams to ensure applications remain available, secure, and scalable.
AWS SysOps Administrator Jobs
AWS Certified SysOps Administrators have a wide range of job opportunities across industries. Their skills in managing, monitoring, and optimizing AWS infrastructure make them highly sought after. Popular job profiles include:
- AWS SysOps Administrator: Manage cloud operations and deployments
- AWS Admin: Configure and maintain AWS environments
- Senior SysOps Administrator: Lead cloud operations and optimize performance
- AWS Solutions Engineer: Design and implement cloud solutions
- Server Administrator: Oversee servers and cloud infrastructure
- DevOps Engineer: Implement CI/CD pipelines and automate deployments
- AWS Cloud Admin: Manage cloud resources and user access
- AWS Architect: Plan scalable and secure AWS architectures
- Cloud Engineer: Develop and maintain cloud systems
- AWS Certified Full Stack Engineer: Integrate infrastructure with full-stack applications
These roles are available globally, in startups as well as established enterprises. Companies hiring AWS SysOps professionals include:
- Oracle
- IndusInd Bank
- Larsen & Toubro
- Atos
- CGI
- Nokia
- Epsilon
- Amazon
- Cognizant
A well-prepared resume and AWS certification can significantly increase your chances of landing one of these roles. Intellipaat’s training programs offer support in both resume building and job placement for aspiring AWS SysOps professionals.
Now, let’s get an in-depth understanding of the AWS SysOps examination.
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AWS SysOps Administrator Exam
The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate exam evaluates your ability to manage, deploy, and operate AWS systems efficiently. It tests both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for real-world cloud operations.
Key skills tested:
- Operating, managing, and deploying AWS systems with features such as availability, high scalability, and fault tolerance
- Controlling and implementing data flow from and to AWS
- Appropriately selecting respective AWS services in terms of data, computation, and security
- Identifying the exact use of selected AWS operations
- Estimating the usage cost of AWS
- Transferring data and information from on-premises databases to the AWS cloud
AWS SysOps Administrator Exam Details
|
Parameter
|
Details
|
| Exam Format |
Multiple-choice and multiple-response questions |
| Duration |
130 minutes |
| Number of Questions |
55–60 |
| Cost |
USD $150 |
| Level |
Associate |
AWS SysOps Administrator Exam Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of AWS cloud architecture
- 1–2 years of experience in on-premises or cloud system administration
- Knowledge of networking, DNS, firewalls, and TCP/IP
- Familiarity with security concepts and access control
How to Become an AWS SysOps Administrator
Becoming an AWS SysOps Administrator typically involves a combination of foundational cloud knowledge, hands-on experience, and formal certification. Below is a clear path most professionals follow.
1. Build AWS and Cloud Fundamentals
Start by understanding core cloud concepts such as virtualization, networking, storage, and security. You should be comfortable with key AWS services like EC2, S3, IAM, VPC, and CloudWatch, as these form the backbone of day-to-day SysOps work.
2. Gain Practical System Administration Experience
AWS recommends at least 1–2 years of experience in system administration, either on-premises or in the cloud. This includes tasks such as monitoring systems, managing backups, handling patches, troubleshooting performance issues, and ensuring high availability.
3. Learn AWS Operations Tools
Develop hands-on experience with tools commonly used by SysOps professionals, including:
- AWS Management Console and AWS CLI
- Amazon CloudWatch for monitoring
- AWS CloudFormation for infrastructure automation
- IAM for access control and security
Practical exposure is critical, as SysOps is an operations-focused role.
4. Prepare for the AWS SysOps Administrator Certification
The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate certification validates your ability to deploy, manage, and operate AWS workloads. Focus your preparation on monitoring, automation, security, networking, and cost optimization scenarios.
5. Apply for Entry-Level Cloud or SysOps Roles
After certification, you can start applying for roles such as AWS SysOps Administrator, AWS Cloud Admin, or Junior DevOps Engineer. With experience, you can progress into senior cloud, DevOps, or architect roles.
Following this structured path helps you move from foundational cloud knowledge to a production-ready AWS SysOps Administrator role with strong long-term career growth.
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Reasons to Go for an AWS SysOps Administrator Certification
Earning the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate certification can significantly boost your cloud career. Here’s why it’s worth pursuing:
- Global Recognition: AWS certifications are recognized worldwide, making you a valuable candidate for top organizations like Amazon, Oracle, L&T, and IndusInd Bank.
- High Salary Potential: Certified AWS SysOps Administrators are among the highest-paid IT professionals. According to industry reports, this certification can open doors to lucrative job roles globally.
- Comprehensive AWS Knowledge: Unlike single-service certifications, this certification covers multiple AWS services, including storage, networking, compute, security, and monitoring, giving you a well-rounded cloud expertise.
- Career Advancement Opportunities: With this certification, you become eligible for advanced roles such as Senior SysOps Administrator, AWS Solutions Engineer, DevOps Engineer, and Cloud Architect.
- Hands-on Skills Validation: The exam tests practical abilities in deploying, managing, and operating AWS systems, ensuring you can handle real-world scenarios confidently.
AWS SysOps Administrator Salary
The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator certification not only enhances your skills but also significantly increases earning potential. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and organization.
- United States: $48,000 – $122,000 per year (source: payscale)
- India: ₹4,00,000 – ₹9,00,000 per year (source: Glassdoor)
Factors affecting salary:
- Level of experience (junior vs. senior roles)
- Size and type of organization
- Additional certifications and hands-on AWS expertise
With this certification, you gain access to high-paying roles and a clear growth path in cloud administration and DevOps.
Conclusion
An AWS SysOps Administrator plays a crucial role in managing, deploying, and optimizing AWS infrastructure, making it a highly sought-after career. Earning the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate certification can help you stand out and advance in this field.
For those looking to gain practical skills and hands-on experience, Intellipaat’s AWS SysOps Certification Training offers a structured path to mastery.
1. What skills are most important for an AWS SysOps Administrator beyond certification?
While certification is valuable, hands-on experience with AWS services, scripting (Python, Bash), monitoring tools (CloudWatch, CloudTrail), automation (CloudFormation, Terraform), and security best practices are critical for excelling in this role.
2. How does an AWS SysOps Administrator differ from an AWS DevOps Engineer?
A SysOps Administrator primarily focuses on managing, monitoring, and maintaining AWS infrastructure, ensuring reliability and operational efficiency. DevOps Engineers emphasize automation, CI/CD pipelines, and software deployment, often bridging development and operations teams.
3. Can AWS SysOps Administrators work remotely?
Yes. Many organizations allow remote work for SysOps professionals, as AWS infrastructure can be monitored and managed from anywhere using the AWS Management Console, CLI, and automation tools.
4. How can AWS SysOps Administrators keep their skills up to date?
Continuous learning is key. Professionals can stay current by taking advanced AWS certifications, attending webinars, following AWS release notes, participating in hands-on labs, and experimenting with new services in sandbox environments.
5. Are there opportunities for specialization within AWS SysOps roles?
Absolutely. SysOps Administrators can specialize in areas such as security, networking, cost optimization, disaster recovery, or cloud architecture, depending on organizational needs and career interests.