Marine 0671 Data Systems Administrator to Civilian: Complete IT Career Transition Guide (2025 Salary Data)
Real career options for Marine 0671 Data Systems Administrators. Entry-level $65K-$85K, experienced sysadmins $95K-$130K+. Linux specialists add $10K-$15K premium. Active clearance worth $25K+.
Bottom Line Up Front
As a Marine Corps 0671 Data Systems Administrator, you've got server administration, Active Directory management, system hardening, and enterprise IT operations experience that translates directly to six-figure civilian careers. Entry-level sysadmin positions start at $65,000-$85,000, with experienced professionals hitting $95,000-$130,000+. Linux specialists command $10,000-$15,000 premium over Windows-only admins. Your active security clearance adds $20,000-$30,000 to defense contractor salaries. You'll need to translate Marine Corps systems experience into civilian technologies, but your foundation in server administration, security hardening, and 24/7 operations gives you a massive advantage over college grads with lab-only experience.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every 0671 thinking about transition hears the same thing: "IT is oversaturated." "Help desk is all you'll get." "You need a degree."
Here's what that misses: Systems administrators with real operational experience are always in demand.
Yes, entry-level IT is competitive. Yes, some companies require degrees. But when you say "I managed Active Directory for 800+ users," or "I administered Linux servers supporting combat operations," you're not entry-level IT.
The problem is civilian HR doesn't understand what "0671 Data Systems Administrator" means. When you write that on your resume, they think "tech support" or "help desk." They don't realize you were:
- Managing Windows and Linux servers handling classified military data
- Administering Active Directory and group policies for entire battalions
- Implementing security hardening per DoD STIGs and NIST standards
- Troubleshooting critical system failures with zero tolerance for downtime
- Maintaining 24/7 availability for operational systems
- Managing user accounts, permissions, and access controls
- Performing system patching, updates, and configuration management
- Operating in tactical environments where failure meant mission impact
That's enterprise systems administration. Companies pay $80,000-$120,000 for people who can do that. You just need to translate your Marine Corps experience into language civilian IT managers understand.
Best civilian career paths for 0671
Let's break down specific roles with real 2024-2025 salary data, required certifications, and transition strategies.
Systems Administrator (most direct path)
Civilian job titles:
- Systems Administrator
- Windows Systems Administrator
- Linux Systems Administrator
- IT Systems Administrator
- Senior Systems Administrator
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- Entry-level (0-2 years civilian): $60,000-$75,000
- Mid-level (3-5 years): $75,000-$95,000
- Senior Systems Administrator: $95,000-$120,000
- Linux specialists: Add $10,000-$15,000 to base
- With active clearance (defense contractors): $85,000-$130,000
What translates directly:
- Server installation, configuration, and maintenance
- Active Directory administration (users, groups, GPOs)
- System security and patch management
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Monitoring and troubleshooting
- Documentation and change control
- 24/7 on-call support rotation
Certifications needed:
- CompTIA Security+ (you should have for DoD 8570) - Baseline
- Microsoft certifications: Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Certified Administrator
- Linux certifications: RHCSA (Red Hat), CompTIA Linux+, LPIC-1
- VMware VCP - If working with virtualization
- Bachelor's degree in IT - Increasingly preferred but not always required
Reality check: This is the natural landing spot for most 0671s. Your Marine Corps experience managing Windows/Linux servers translates one-to-one to corporate IT infrastructure roles.
Entry-level corporate sysadmin jobs sometimes pay less than you'd hope ($60K-$75K), but within 2-3 years you'll be at $80K-$100K if you perform well and pursue certifications.
Work-life balance is generally better than SOC analyst roles—standard business hours with periodic on-call rotation rather than shift work.
Windows vs. Linux specialization: Windows admins are everywhere; Linux admins are rarer and command higher salaries ($93K average vs. $83K for Windows). If you have Linux experience from managing RHEL systems, emphasize it heavily.
Best for: 0671s who want stable corporate IT careers, prefer infrastructure over security operations, and want work-life balance.
Cloud Engineer / Cloud Systems Administrator (high growth path)
Civilian job titles:
- Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Systems Administrator
- AWS/Azure Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- Entry-level with cloud cert: $75,000-$95,000
- Mid-level (3-5 years cloud experience): $100,000-$130,000
- Senior Cloud Engineer: $130,000-$160,000
- Cloud Architect: $150,000-$190,000+
- DevOps Engineer: $120,000-$160,000
What translates directly:
- Server management and configuration
- Linux/Windows administration
- Networking fundamentals
- Security implementation
- Automation mindset (scripting, configuration management)
- Troubleshooting under pressure
Certifications needed:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate or Azure Administrator Associate - Entry requirement
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Direct sysadmin-to-cloud path
- Terraform Associate - Infrastructure-as-code
- Kubernetes certifications (CKA) - For container orchestration
- CompTIA Security+ - Security foundation
Reality check: Cloud is where IT infrastructure is moving. 85% of enterprises are adopting cloud-first strategies by 2025. Traditional sysadmin jobs still exist, but cloud roles pay 30-50% more.
The catch: You need to learn new technologies. Your Windows Server and Linux administration skills are the foundation, but you'll need to learn AWS/Azure, infrastructure-as-code (Terraform), containers (Docker/Kubernetes), and automation.
Investment required: 3-6 months of focused study and hands-on labs to get cloud certifications and practical experience. AWS and Azure both offer free tiers for practice.
Payoff: Massive. Cloud engineers with 3-5 years experience regularly clear $120K-$140K. Your systems administration background makes the transition easier than for developers trying to learn infrastructure.
Best for: 0671s willing to invest 3-6 months learning cloud technologies for significantly higher long-term earning potential.
Network Engineer (infrastructure specialization)
Civilian job titles:
- Network Engineer
- Network Administrator
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Senior Network Engineer
- Network Architect
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- Entry-level with CCNA: $70,000-$85,000
- Mid-level with CCNP: $90,000-$115,000
- Senior Network Engineer: $115,000-$140,000
- Network Architect: $130,000-$160,000+
What translates directly:
- Network troubleshooting and connectivity
- Understanding TCP/IP, routing, switching
- Firewall management
- VPN configuration
- Network security implementation
- High-pressure troubleshooting
Certifications needed:
- CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) - Industry standard, nearly mandatory
- CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) - For senior roles
- CompTIA Network+ - Entry-level alternative (but CCNA preferred)
- Fortinet NSE or Palo Alto PCNSA - Firewall specialists
Reality check: If your 0671 experience included significant networking (routers, switches, VLANs, routing protocols), this path offers excellent pay with clear certification roadmap.
CCNA takes 2-4 months of focused study. It's tough but achievable. CCNA holders start at $75K-$90K. CCNP professionals average $90K-$115K.
Network engineering has better work-life balance than 24/7 sysadmin on-call once you're established, though junior roles still involve troubleshooting outages.
Best for: 0671s with networking experience who want infrastructure specialization and are willing to invest in Cisco certifications.
Defense Contractor IT Systems Administrator (maximum clearance value)
Civilian job titles:
- IT Systems Administrator (cleared)
- Windows/Linux Administrator (DoD)
- Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
- Systems Engineer (defense)
- Infrastructure Administrator (cleared)
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- Entry-level with Secret: $75,000-$90,000
- Entry-level with TS/SCI: $90,000-$110,000
- Mid-level with TS/SCI: $110,000-$140,000
- Senior with TS/SCI: $130,000-$165,000+
What translates directly: Everything. You're doing identical work supporting DoD customers as a contractor instead of active duty.
Certifications needed:
- Active security clearance (Secret minimum, TS/SCI significantly more valuable)
- CompTIA Security+ or higher DoD 8570/8140 cert
- Microsoft or Linux certifications (depending on role)
- DoD 8140 compliance with CE credits
Reality check: Your active clearance is worth serious money. A Secret clearance adds $15,000-$25,000 to base salary. TS/SCI adds $25,000-$40,000.
Defense contractors (CACI, Leidos, Booz Allen, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Peraton, SAIC) constantly need cleared IT professionals. Your 0671 experience plus clearance makes you immediately hireable.
Advantages: Higher pay than equivalent corporate roles, familiar mission/environment, veteran-friendly culture, immediate employment.
Disadvantages: Contract-based employment (contracts end every 2-5 years), may require relocation, work pace similar to military.
Many 0671s start with defense contractors, build civilian resume, then transition to private sector for even higher pay after 3-5 years.
Best for: 0671s with active clearances who want maximum immediate salary and familiar work environment.
Database Administrator (specialized path)
Civilian job titles:
- Database Administrator (DBA)
- SQL Database Administrator
- Oracle Database Administrator
- Database Engineer
- Senior DBA
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- Entry-level DBA: $70,000-$90,000
- Mid-level (3-5 years): $95,000-$120,000
- Senior DBA: $120,000-$145,000
- Database Architect: $135,000-$170,000+
What translates directly:
- Server management fundamentals
- Backup and recovery operations
- Performance monitoring and troubleshooting
- Security and access controls
- Documentation and change management
Certifications needed:
- Microsoft SQL Server certifications (MCSA SQL Server, Azure Database Administrator)
- Oracle Database certifications (OCA, OCP)
- PostgreSQL or MySQL certifications
- CompTIA Security+ - Security foundation
Reality check: Database administration is a specialized, well-paid field with less saturation than general sysadmin roles. If your 0671 work included managing SQL Server, Oracle, or other databases, this path offers excellent specialization.
DBAs are in consistent demand, especially experienced professionals who understand both database management and security. The role requires deeper technical knowledge than general sysadmin work.
Entry requires focused database training (3-6 months) plus certification, but salary growth is strong and job security is excellent.
Best for: 0671s with database exposure who want technical specialization and are willing to focus on database-specific skills.
IT Manager / Systems Engineering Manager (leadership path)
Civilian job titles:
- IT Manager
- Systems Engineering Manager
- Infrastructure Manager
- IT Operations Manager
- Director of IT
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- IT Manager: $95,000-$125,000
- Senior IT Manager: $115,000-$145,000
- IT Director: $130,000-$175,000+
What translates directly:
- Leadership and team management
- Project management and coordination
- Vendor management and budgeting
- Strategic planning
- Communication with non-technical leadership
Certifications needed:
- PMP (Project Management Professional) - Industry standard
- ITIL Foundation - IT service management
- Bachelor's degree - Often required for management track
- Technical certifications - Maintain credibility with technical teams
Reality check: If you were an NCO (Corporal/Sergeant) managing junior Marines, you have leadership experience. But transitioning directly to IT management as a civilian is difficult without civilian IT experience first.
Most 0671s spend 3-5 years as systems administrators, then move into team lead or junior management roles before reaching IT Manager level.
Management pays well but means less hands-on technical work and more meetings, budgets, and people problems. Make sure you actually want to manage before pursuing this path.
Best for: Former NCOs who enjoyed the leadership aspects of 0671 work and want long-term management careers after gaining civilian IT experience.
Cybersecurity roles (crossover path)
Civilian job titles:
- Security Engineer
- Security Analyst
- Security Systems Administrator
- Cybersecurity Engineer
Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):
- Entry-level Security Analyst: $70,000-$90,000
- Security Engineer: $90,000-$125,000
- Senior Security Engineer: $120,000-$155,000
What translates directly:
- System hardening and security configuration
- Security patch management
- Access controls and permissions
- Security compliance (STIGs, NIST, RMF)
- Incident response and troubleshooting
Certifications needed:
- CompTIA Security+ (baseline)
- CySA+ or CISSP - Advanced security
- SANS/GIAC certifications - Premium options
- Cloud security certifications - AWS Security Specialty, Azure Security Engineer
Reality check: Your 0671 experience included significant security work (STIGs, RMF, system hardening), which positions you for security-focused roles. These typically pay 15-25% more than general sysadmin positions.
Requires additional security-focused training and certifications beyond Security+, but your systems administration foundation is valuable—many security people lack operational IT experience.
Best for: 0671s who enjoyed the security aspects of the job and want to specialize in cybersecurity.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "Marine Corps Data Systems Administrator" on your resume. Here's how to translate for civilian employers:
| Military Experience | Civilian Resume Language |
|---|---|
| Administered Windows/Linux servers | Managed enterprise server infrastructure supporting 500+ users across 12 physical/virtual hosts |
| Managed Active Directory | Administered Active Directory including user provisioning, group policies, and access controls for 800+ accounts |
| Implemented DoD STIGs | Performed security hardening and compliance enforcement per industry security standards |
| Conducted system patching | Managed patch management and system updates with 99.5% on-time completion |
| Maintained 99.9% uptime | Ensured high availability for mission-critical infrastructure with minimal unplanned downtime |
| Troubleshot system failures | Diagnosed and resolved complex server, network, and application issues under tight deadlines |
| Managed backups and recovery | Implemented backup strategies and performed disaster recovery operations |
| Configured servers per SOPs | Deployed and configured servers using standardized processes and documentation |
| Led team of 3 junior admins | Mentored junior administrators and coordinated infrastructure projects |
| Maintained security clearance | Managed sensitive systems in secure environment; maintained active TS/SCI clearance |
Key resume tips:
- Quantify everything: "Managed 45 servers supporting 600+ users across 8 remote sites"
- Use metrics: "Reduced system downtime by 40% through proactive monitoring"
- Emphasize technologies: List specific systems (Windows Server 2019/2022, RHEL 7/8, Active Directory, VMware)
- Highlight security: Civilian employers value security experience heavily
- Lead with results: "Improved patch compliance from 75% to 98% within 6 months"
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill benefits, prioritized for 0671s:
High priority (get within first 6-12 months):
CompTIA Security+ - You should already have this for DoD 8570. If not, get it immediately. Cost: $400. Required for almost all defense contractor and many corporate roles.
Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate - Most companies use cloud now. This cert validates Windows sysadmin + cloud skills. Cost: $165 exam. Study time: 2-3 months. Opens $75K-$100K roles.
RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator) - If you have Linux experience. Gold standard Linux cert, much more respected than Linux+. Cost: $400 exam. Study time: 3-4 months. Linux admins earn $10K-$15K more than Windows-only.
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) - If pursuing networking. Industry standard. Cost: $300. Study time: 2-4 months. Opens $75K-$90K network engineering roles.
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate - Direct sysadmin-to-cloud path. Cost: $150 exam. Study time: 2-3 months. Opens $85K-$110K cloud roles.
Medium priority (within 12-24 months):
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) - Premium certification for security-focused roles. Requires 5 years experience (military counts). Average salary: $120K-$135K. Cost: $750. Study time: 3-6 months.
VMware VCP (VMware Certified Professional) - If working with virtualization. Most enterprise environments use VMware. Cost: $250 exam + required training ($3K-$4K). Value: Specialists earn $95K-$120K.
Microsoft 365 Certified Administrator Expert - For enterprise Microsoft environments. Two-exam track. Cost: $165 per exam. Value: Microsoft specialists in high demand.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate - If pursuing cloud architecture path. More architectural than SysOps cert. Cost: $150. Study time: 3-4 months.
Low priority (unless employer requires):
CompTIA A+, Network+ - Too basic for your level. Only pursue if employer specifically requires or you need resume padding for entry roles.
Bachelor's degree in IT/Cybersecurity - Many corporate jobs increasingly require degrees for advancement beyond mid-level. Use GI Bill. Important for long-term career but not immediate necessity.
ITIL Foundation - IT service management framework. Useful for corporate IT environments and management track. Cost: $300-400. Quick certification (1-2 weeks study).
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Your 0671 foundation is solid, but there are civilian technologies and practices you need to learn:
Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP): Most companies have moved or are moving to cloud. You need hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure. Take advantage of free tiers and training (AWS Skillbuilder, Microsoft Learn).
Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, CloudFormation): Civilian IT automates everything. Learn to provision infrastructure through code instead of manual configuration.
Configuration management (Ansible, Puppet, Chef): Automated configuration management at scale. Start with Ansible—easiest learning curve.
Containers and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes): Increasingly common in modern infrastructure. Basic Docker knowledge is becoming expected.
Scripting (PowerShell, Python, Bash): Automation is critical in civilian IT. Level up your scripting beyond basic admin tasks.
Modern Microsoft stack: If you worked with older Windows Server versions, learn Azure AD, Microsoft 365, Azure services.
ITSM tools (ServiceNow, Jira): Civilian IT uses ticketing and project management tools extensively.
Soft skills and corporate culture: Translating technical issues for non-technical business stakeholders, working in matrix organizations, navigating corporate politics.
Resume and interview skills: Writing civilian-style resumes without jargon, interviewing effectively, salary negotiation.
Real 0671 success stories
Chris, 27, former 0671 (5 years) → Systems Administrator → Cloud Engineer
Chris got out as a Sergeant with Security+ and Secret clearance. Landed systems administrator role at healthcare company at $72,000. Used employer tuition assistance to get Azure Administrator and Solutions Architect certifications over 18 months. Moved to cloud engineer role at different company at $115,000. Now makes $135,000 after 4 years total. Cloud certifications were the game-changer.
Amanda, 29, former 0671 (6 years) → Defense Contractor → Senior Systems Engineer
Amanda left as a Sergeant with TS/SCI clearance and strong Linux background. Joined Leidos as systems administrator supporting DISA at $95,000. Got RHCSA certification. Moved to senior role at Booz Allen after 2 years at $125,000. Clearance and Linux specialization paid off. Now makes $140,000 as Senior Systems Engineer.
Kevin, 25, former 0671 (4 years) → Network Engineer
Kevin got out as a Corporal, worked help desk for 6 months ($55K) while studying for CCNA. Passed CCNA, immediately landed network engineer role at manufacturing company at $82,000. Pursuing CCNP while working. After 2 years, now makes $98,000 as Network Engineer II. Cisco certifications opened doors fast.
Lisa, 30, former 0671 (7 years) → IT Manager
Lisa left as a Staff Sergeant with leadership experience. Started as senior systems administrator at financial services company at $88,000. Used GI Bill for bachelor's degree (online, WGU). Got PMP certification. Promoted to IT Manager after 3 years at $118,000. Now makes $135,000 managing team of 8. Leadership experience plus technical skills plus degree enabled management track.
Action plan: your first 90 days out
Here's your step-by-step transition roadmap:
Month 1: Foundation and assessment
Week 1-2:
- Get 10 copies of DD-214
- Request security clearance documentation if applicable
- File for VA disability if applicable
- Set up LinkedIn profile (translate 0671 experience using civilian language)
- Join veteran IT groups: VetsinTech, Hiring Our Heroes
Week 3-4:
- Update resume (use skills translation table, quantify everything)
- Create accounts on ClearanceJobs.com (if cleared), Dice, Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs
- Research target career path (cloud, sysadmin, network, database)
- Inventory your technical skills (Windows/Linux, Active Directory, networking, virtualization)
- Identify certification goals based on chosen path
Month 2: Certifications and applications
Week 5-6:
- Enroll in certification course (Azure Administrator, RHCSA, CCNA, or AWS based on path)
- Start applying to jobs (15-20 per week minimum)
- Target defense contractors if you have clearance (use ClearanceJobs.com)
- Tailor resume for each application (match keywords from job posting)
- Set up home lab for hands-on practice (VirtualBox/VMware, AWS/Azure free tier)
Week 7-8:
- Continue certification study (15-20 hours per week)
- Increase applications to 20-25 per week
- Build LinkedIn network (connect with other 0671s, IT professionals, recruiters)
- Practice interview questions (prepare STAR method examples of problem-solving)
- Attend virtual job fairs and veteran hiring events
Month 3: Interview and negotiate
Week 9-10:
- Continue applications and certification study
- Start getting interview calls (if not, reassess resume strategy)
- Practice technical interview questions (troubleshooting scenarios, system design)
- Research company salary ranges (Glassdoor, Salary.com, Levels.fyi)
- Take certification exam when ready
Week 11-12:
- Interview actively, negotiate all offers (don't accept first number)
- Leverage multiple offers if possible
- Consider total compensation (remote work, benefits, growth, clearance processing, location)
- Accept position
- Continue pursuing certifications even after accepting (momentum matters)
Backup plan if no offers by day 90:
- Consider contract/temp roles to get civilian experience
- Expand geographic search or pursue remote positions
- Get professional resume review
- Take help desk or junior role as stepping stone (but plan to move up within 12 months)
- Network more aggressively (informational interviews, veteran events)
Bottom line for 0671s
Your Marine Corps systems administration experience translates directly to $65,000-$130,000 civilian IT careers. You're not starting from scratch—you've already been doing the job.
Entry-level corporate systems administrator: $65,000-$85,000 starting. Within 3-5 years, $85,000-$110,000 is realistic with certifications and performance.
Cloud engineering path: Invest 3-6 months in cloud certifications, land roles at $90,000-$120,000 entry-level, hit $130,000-$160,000 within 5 years.
Defense contractors with clearance: Immediate hiring at $85,000-$110,000 entry-level, $120,000-$150,000 with 5+ years experience.
Network engineering: CCNA opens $75,000-$90,000 starting roles, CCNP pushes to $90,000-$115,000.
Your active clearance is worth $20,000-$30,000 in immediate salary premium for defense work. Don't let it lapse if you have one.
Your biggest assets are:
- Real operational experience (not just lab work)
- Security-first mindset (DoD STIGs, RMF, hardening)
- 24/7 operations background (civilian sysadmins respect this)
- Security clearance (if you have one)
Invest in 1-2 key certifications (cloud, Linux, networking, or security), translate your experience properly, target the right employers, and negotiate confidently.
Thousands of 0671s have successfully transitioned before you. The path is clear. Execute.
Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to translate your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.