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The differences between linux administrators and systems administrator leads 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 systems administrator lead. Additionally, a systems administrator lead has an average salary of $99,956, 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 systems administrator lead are linux, project management, and windows server.
| Linux Administrator | Systems Administrator Lead | |
| Yearly salary | $79,996 | $99,956 |
| Hourly rate | $38.46 | $48.06 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 56,604 | 132,285 |
| 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 systems administrator lead is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing procedures for critical enterprise systems. Typical duties of systems administrators include managing the day-to-day operations of a company's computer and network systems, developing new application and system implementation plans, and establishing guidelines for installing and managing the organization's computer operating systems. In addition, you are expected to ensure the security of computer systems by preventing unauthorized use, user abuse, and acts of nature.
Linux administrators and systems administrator leads have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Linux Administrator | Systems Administrator Lead | |
| Average salary | $79,996 | $99,956 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $101,000 | Between $77,000 And $129,000 |
| Highest paying City | Palo Alto, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Medline | Kabam |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a linux administrator and a systems administrator lead in terms of educational background:
| Linux Administrator | Systems Administrator Lead | |
| 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 | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between linux administrators' and systems administrator leads' demographics:
| Linux Administrator | Systems Administrator Lead | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% |
| 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, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 9.7% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |