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The differences between computer administrators and systems administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a computer administrator and a systems administrator. Additionally, a computer administrator has an average salary of $86,150, which is higher than the $77,156 average annual salary of a systems administrator.
The top three skills for a computer administrator include CAD, troubleshoot and printers. The most important skills for a systems administrator are linux, troubleshoot, and windows server.
| Computer Administrator | Systems Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $86,150 | $77,156 |
| Hourly rate | $41.42 | $37.09 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 88,405 | 134,500 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Computer administrators oversee the daily operation of computer networks. These administrators manage the configuration and upkeep of such networks, including updating equipment and software and identifying and resolving issues. They determine what an organization requires in both a network and a computer system before setting it up and configuring it. Also, they are responsible for all installation tasks, recording data, evaluating problems identified by users, and making various troubleshooting attempts to solve them. The skills that they must excel in are technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.
Computer administrators and systems administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Administrator | Systems Administrator | |
| Average salary | $86,150 | $77,156 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $118,000 | Between $59,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer administrator and a systems administrator in terms of educational background:
| Computer Administrator | Systems Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between computer administrators' and systems administrators' demographics:
| Computer Administrator | Systems Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.4% Female, 27.6% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 10.3% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 11.5% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |