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The differences between linux administrators and junior 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 linux administrator and a junior systems administrator. Additionally, a linux administrator has an average salary of $79,996, which is higher than the $62,225 average annual salary of a junior systems administrator.
The top three skills for a linux administrator include python, windows and linux servers. The most important skills for a junior systems administrator are windows server, troubleshoot, and technical support.
| Linux Administrator | Junior Systems Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $79,996 | $62,225 |
| Hourly rate | $38.46 | $29.92 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 56,604 | 154,134 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
A junior systems administrator is primarily responsible for handling and maintaining systems for users while under the supervision of a more experienced systems administrator. Their responsibilities often revolve around assisting senior administrators, troubleshooting support, providing installations and configurations, and handling inquiries and concerns, providing them with corrective measures. Aside from support tasks, one may also have administrative duties such as producing reports and presentations, managing schedules, and maintaining accurate data of all transactions. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to all the policies and regulations of the company.
Linux administrators and junior systems administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Linux Administrator | Junior Systems Administrator | |
| Average salary | $79,996 | $62,225 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $101,000 | Between $51,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Washington |
| Best paying company | Medline | Jacobs Engineering Group |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a linux administrator and a junior systems administrator in terms of educational background:
| Linux Administrator | Junior Systems Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between linux administrators' and junior systems administrators' demographics:
| Linux Administrator | Junior Systems Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% | Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 12.1% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |