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The differences between linux administrators and linux engineers 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 linux engineer. Additionally, a linux engineer has an average salary of $103,666, which is higher than the $79,996 average annual salary of a linux administrator.
The top three skills for a linux administrator include python, windows and linux servers. The most important skills for a linux engineer are python, troubleshoot, and bash.
| Linux Administrator | Linux Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $79,996 | $103,666 |
| Hourly rate | $38.46 | $49.84 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 56,604 | 62,808 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| 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 Linux engineer specializes in overseeing and handling systems operating on Linux servers. Their responsibilities include meeting with clients to identify their needs, installing and upgrading systems, and performing regular maintenance checks to ensure efficiency and smooth workflow. In a company setting, a Linux engineer is often in charge of developing new systems, assessing software and hardware, implementing solutions on areas needing improvement, and devising strategies to optimize procedures. Furthermore, as a Linux engineer, it is essential to provide technical support, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Linux administrators and linux engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Linux Administrator | Linux Engineer | |
| Average salary | $79,996 | $103,666 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $101,000 | Between $78,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Medline | SiFive |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a linux administrator and a linux engineer in terms of educational background:
| Linux Administrator | Linux Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between linux administrators' and linux engineers' demographics:
| Linux Administrator | Linux Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% |
| 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, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 13.8% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |