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The differences between linux engineers and lead systems 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 engineer and a lead systems engineer. Additionally, a lead systems engineer has an average salary of $119,705, 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 lead systems engineer are systems engineering, architecture, and infrastructure.
| Linux Engineer | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $103,666 | $119,705 |
| Hourly rate | $49.84 | $57.55 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 62,808 | 186,392 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
A lead systems engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the systems infrastructure and improving the stability of the operating systems to support business operations. Lead systems engineers install and upgrade software applications and ensure that the technical strategies meet the quality standards and business requirements. They also enhance the performance of the existing systems, configuring features for optimization. A lead systems engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in supporting the end-users with technical failures and identifying accurate resolutions.
Linux engineers and lead systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Linux Engineer | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $103,666 | $119,705 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $137,000 | Between $90,000 And $158,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | California |
| Best paying company | SiFive | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a linux engineer and a lead systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Linux Engineer | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between linux engineers' and lead systems engineers' demographics:
| Linux Engineer | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% | Male, 88.1% Female, 11.9% |
| 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, 8.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 12.5% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |