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The differences between information technology 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 an information technology administrator and a linux administrator. Additionally, a linux administrator has an average salary of $79,996, which is higher than the $73,195 average annual salary of an information technology administrator.
The top three skills for an information technology administrator include customer service, troubleshoot and linux. The most important skills for a linux administrator are python, windows, and linux servers.
| Information Technology Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $73,195 | $79,996 |
| Hourly rate | $35.19 | $38.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 159,499 | 56,604 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
An Information Technology (IT) administrator is an individual responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of an organization's IT systems and ensuring that the systems are running effectively. IT administrators must conduct consistent analyses of the computer system and install updates when needed. They are required to assess the organization's security programs and run the system for viruses and spyware. IT administrators also extend support to the organization's end-users and train them on desktop applications.
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.
Information technology administrators and linux administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average salary | $73,195 | $79,996 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $105,000 | Between $62,000 And $101,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Databricks | Medline |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between an information technology administrator and a linux administrator in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | 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 information technology administrators' and linux administrators' demographics:
| Information Technology Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.6% Female, 18.4% | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 9.8% White, 63.0% 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% |