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What does a Linux Administrator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
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.

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Linux administrator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real linux administrator resumes:

  • 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.
  • Expand functionality and update existing VOIP Linux (RHEL, Debian, SUSE, Ubuntu, CentOS) systems.
  • Analyze network traffic using network protocols TCP/IP, UDP, ARP/RARP, DHCP and NFS using open source software.
  • Involve in decommission of the servers which reach end of life and perform SAN migrations using LVM and EMC tools.
  • Streamline warehouse associates day to day operations with modification to RF scanners procedures using MySQL and custom DHCP functionality with Perl.
  • Administer and troubleshoot user authentication using LDAP authentication.
  • Develop python scripts to automate routine database maintenance and account provisioning tasks.
  • Provide enterprise-wide Unix infrastructure support for complex system and interconnect technologies for government contracts within the medical field.
  • Distribute version control software tool: git, hg.
  • Experience with implementation and maintain SQL cluster for the production environment.

Linux administrator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Linux Administrators are proficient in Python, Windows, and Linux Servers. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Linux Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Python, 7%

    Developed python scripts to automate routine database maintenance and account provisioning tasks.

  • Windows, 5%

    Managed prominent level web applications and worked with windows and Linux based administrations in physical/virtual environments.

  • Linux Servers, 4%

    Monitored everyday systems and evaluated availability of all server resources and performed all activities for Linux servers.

  • Bash, 4%

    Developed bash scripts to automate system/build processing.

  • Red Hat, 4%

    Suds administration and Red Hat Linux package administration.

  • OS, 3%

    Performed OS Installation/configuration/Upgrades/Patches and migrations.

Most linux administrators use their skills in "python," "windows," and "linux servers" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential linux administrator responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a linux administrator to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a linux administrator resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "installed mysql, sap dataservices3.2, 4.1, php, java and websphere. "

Communication skills. Many linux administrator duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a linux administrator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways linux administrator responsibilities rely on communication skills: "installed puppet client software on rhel 6.x servers and established a communication between master and client through ssl certification. "

Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for linux administrators to perform their duties. For an example of how linux administrator responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a linux administrator: "solved system performance issues on sun, linux and aix production/development servers. ".

All linux administrator skills

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Compare different linux administrators

Linux administrator vs. Information technology administrator

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.

We looked at the average linux administrator salary and compared it with the wages of an information technology administrator. Generally speaking, information technology administrators are paid $6,801 lower than linux administrators per year.Even though linux administrators and information technology administrators are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require os, dns, and troubleshoot in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, linux administrator responsibilities require skills like "python," "windows," "linux servers," and "bash." Meanwhile a typical information technology administrator has skills in areas such as "customer service," "linux," "vmware," and "windows server." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Information technology administrators earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $93,678. On the other hand, linux administrators are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $82,498.information technology administrators tend to reach lower levels of education than linux administrators. In fact, information technology administrators are 7.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Linux administrator vs. Network/server administrator

A Network Administrator ensures an organizations' network is operational and up to date. They solve problems that arise within computer networks, maintaining computer networks, interacting with clients, and consulting with them to determine their system requirements.

A career as a network/server administrator brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a linux administrator. In fact, network/server administrators salary is $1,077 lower than the salary of linux administrators per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Linux administrators and network/server administrators both require similar skills like "red hat," "os," and "dns" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, linux administrator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "python," "windows," "linux servers," and "bash." Meanwhile, a network/server administrator has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "windows server," "linux," and "powershell." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Network/server administrators earn a lower average salary than linux administrators. But network/server administrators earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $84,609. Additionally, linux administrators earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $82,498 annually.network/server administrators earn lower levels of education than linux administrators in general. They're 9.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Linux administrator vs. Systems administrator lead

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.

On average scale, systems administrator leads bring in higher salaries than linux administrators. In fact, they earn a $19,960 higher salary per year.By looking over several linux administrators and systems administrator leads resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "red hat," "os," and "dns." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a linux administrator is likely to be skilled in "python," "windows," "linux servers," and "bash," while a typical systems administrator lead is skilled in "linux," "project management," "windows server," and "pc."

Systems administrator leads make a very good living in the telecommunication industry with an average annual salary of $103,205. On the other hand, linux administrators are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $82,498.systems administrator leads typically earn similar educational levels compared to linux administrators. Specifically, they're 4.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Linux administrator vs. Junior systems administrator

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.

Junior systems administrators tend to earn a lower pay than linux administrators by an average of $17,771 per year.While both linux administrators and junior systems administrators complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like red hat, os, and centos, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between linux administrators and junior systems administrators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a linux administrator might have more use for skills like "python," "windows," "linux servers," and "bash." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of junior systems administrators require skills like "windows server," "system administration," "vmware," and "desktop support. "

The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for junior systems administrators, with average annual pay of $65,174. Comparatively, the highest linux administrator annual salary comes from the technology industry.The average resume of junior systems administrators showed that they earn lower levels of education compared to linux administrators. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 9.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.1%.

Types of linux administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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