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The differences between control systems technicians 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 control systems technician and a systems administrator. Additionally, a systems administrator has an average salary of $77,156, which is higher than the $55,368 average annual salary of a control systems technician.
The top three skills for a control systems technician include HVAC, PLC and HMI. The most important skills for a systems administrator are linux, troubleshoot, and windows server.
| Control Systems Technician | Systems Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $55,368 | $77,156 |
| Hourly rate | $26.62 | $37.09 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 122,228 | 134,500 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A control systems technician specializes in installing and repairing heating and ventilation systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Typically working for establishments and offices, their responsibilities often revolve around identifying the root of issues through troubleshooting and system testing, replacing components, cleaning out dirt and other obstructions, and conducting regular maintenance checks. They may also install and fix air conditioning systems, cleaning them as needed. Furthermore, as a control systems technician, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with team members, coordinating every step of the way.
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.
Control systems technicians and systems administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Control Systems Technician | Systems Administrator | |
| Average salary | $55,368 | $77,156 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $88,000 | Between $59,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | Napa, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Enbridge | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a control systems technician and a systems administrator in terms of educational background:
| Control Systems Technician | Systems Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between control systems technicians' and systems administrators' demographics:
| Control Systems Technician | Systems Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 9.1% White, 63.4% 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% |