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The differences between computer systems administrators and linux 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 systems administrator and a linux administrator. Additionally, a linux administrator has an average salary of $79,996, which is higher than the $72,247 average annual salary of a computer systems administrator.
The top three skills for a computer systems administrator include computer system, linux and customer service. The most important skills for a linux administrator are python, windows, and linux servers.
| Computer Systems Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $72,247 | $79,996 |
| Hourly rate | $34.73 | $38.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 136,907 | 56,604 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Computer systems administrators are responsible for organizing and installing a company's computer system, including the WAN, LAN, and other data for communication. They gather information from the users to determine where to improve and troubleshoot hardware and software issues. These administrators ensure that the system they design for a company meets the needs of their users. They maintain the security of their systems and provide technical support for projects. They mainly administer a company's network, database, and security systems.
A Linux administrator is responsible for monitoring the efficiency of Linux operating systems to support business operations and high-quality deliverables. Linux administrators handle the resolution of Linux network issues, maintaining its stability and ensuring its safety and security from unauthorized access and malware threats. They also conduct regular maintenance to configure the system navigation and infrastructure, running multiple diagnostic tests to identify defects, and recommending strategic procedures for system enhancement. A Linux administrator must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in providing technical support on faulty servers.
Computer systems administrators and linux administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average salary | $72,247 | $79,996 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $97,000 | Between $62,000 And $101,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Meta | Medline |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer systems administrator and a linux administrator in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between computer systems administrators' and linux administrators' demographics:
| Computer Systems Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3% | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.9% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 13.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |