Data center administrator vs linux administrator

The differences between data center 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 data center administrator and a linux administrator. Additionally, a linux administrator has an average salary of $79,996, which is higher than the $49,854 average annual salary of a data center administrator.

The top three skills for a data center administrator include customer service, linux and vmware. The most important skills for a linux administrator are python, windows, and linux servers.

Data center administrator vs linux administrator overview

	Data Center Administrator	Linux Administrator
Yearly salary	$49,854	$79,996
Hourly rate	$23.97	$38.46
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	172,212	56,604
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a data center administrator do?

A data center administrator is in charge of overseeing the daily operations of an organization's data center. Their job focuses on maintaining and updating data storage systems, managing hardware and software, implementing data protection and recovery plans, performing installations and repairs, and providing technical support to staff as needed. They also conduct research and analyses to establish the ideal practices and center layouts, escalating complex issues to the assigned department, maintaining records, and conducting assessments and evaluations to ensure procedures adhere to company standards and project timelines.

What does a linux administrator do?

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.

Data center administrator vs linux administrator salary

Data center administrators and linux administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Data Center Administrator	Linux Administrator
Average salary	$49,854	$79,996
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $89,000	Between $62,000 And $101,000
Highest paying City	Palo Alto, CA	Palo Alto, CA
Highest paying state	California	Maryland
Best paying company	NETSCOUT	Medline
Best paying industry	Technology	Technology

Differences between data center administrator and linux administrator education

There are a few differences between a data center administrator and a linux administrator in terms of educational background:

	Data Center Administrator	Linux Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Data center administrator vs linux administrator demographics

Here are the differences between data center administrators' and linux administrators' demographics:

	Data Center Administrator	Linux Administrator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4%	Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 13.0% White, 61.1% 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%

Differences between data center administrator and linux administrator duties and responsibilities

Data center administrator example responsibilities.

Manage Cisco UCS systems that host the organization's VMware environment running critical clinical applications.
Work with USAMITC to manage DNS and with DISA tiger team to manage mail.mil email system.
Manage integrated network connectivity, reporting, and troubleshooting including switch, router, and firewall connectivity to increase system stability.
Work with SQL database developer to create the VMware view database and importing require tables.
Move content to new SQL server.
Use of EMC centera base file archival management system.

Linux administrator example responsibilities.

Manage PGP/GPG encryption in FTP/SFTP scripts.
Manage TCP/IP packets and DHCP servers and resolving TCP/IP network access problems for the clients.
Manage entire network infrastructure, switches, firewalls, servers (configuration/installation), patch management, vendor relations.
Configure and manage splunk forwarders.
Develop bash scripts to automate system/build processing.
Work with Zen virtualization to manage virtual Linux operating systems.

Data center administrator vs linux administrator skills

Common data center administrator skills

Customer Service, 7%
Linux, 6%
VMware, 5%
Vmware Esxi, 5%
Windows Server, 5%
HVAC, 4%

Common linux administrator skills

Python, 7%
Windows, 5%
Linux Servers, 4%
Bash, 4%
Red Hat, 4%
OS, 3%

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Data Center Administrator vs Linux Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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