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The differences between linux engineers and devops engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a linux engineer, becoming a devops engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a devops engineer has an average salary of $104,019, which is higher than the $103,666 average annual salary of a linux engineer.
The top three skills for a linux engineer include python, troubleshoot and bash. The most important skills for a devops engineer are python, docker, and java.
| Linux Engineer | Devops Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $103,666 | $104,019 |
| Hourly rate | $49.84 | $50.01 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 62,808 | 257,025 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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.
DevOps engineers are practitioners of DevOps, a software development strategy that aims to bridge the gap between computer software development and information technology (IT) operations. They work closely with computer software developers and other IT staff to manage code deployments and releases. Their duties include overseeing the IT infrastructure supporting software code in different environments, choosing a suitable deployment model, and directing testing protocol needed to validate releases. Other tasks they may likely perform include preparing test data, analyzing results, and troubleshooting issues and problems.
Linux engineers and devops engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Linux Engineer | Devops Engineer | |
| Average salary | $103,666 | $104,019 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $137,000 | Between $80,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | California |
| Best paying company | SiFive | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a linux engineer and a devops engineer in terms of educational background:
| Linux Engineer | Devops Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between linux engineers' and devops engineers' demographics:
| Linux Engineer | Devops Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% | Male, 86.2% Female, 13.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |