Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between linux engineers and linux systems administrators 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 linux systems administrator. Additionally, a linux engineer has an average salary of $103,666, which is higher than the $83,032 average annual salary of a linux systems administrator.
The top three skills for a linux engineer include python, troubleshoot and bash. The most important skills for a linux systems administrator are python, windows, and red hat.
| Linux Engineer | Linux Systems Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $103,666 | $83,032 |
| Hourly rate | $49.84 | $39.92 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 62,808 | 109,091 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 Linux systems administrator is primarily in charge of managing and overseeing Linux operating systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around installing and conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting, performing repairs, and monitoring systems performance to ensure optimal operations. They must also develop back-up and security systems as preventive measures should there be any issues or emergencies. Furthermore, as an administrator, it is essential to manage and encourage team members to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Linux engineers and linux systems administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Linux Engineer | Linux Systems Administrator | |
| Average salary | $103,666 | $83,032 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $137,000 | Between $64,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Washington |
| Best paying company | SiFive | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Finance |
There are a few differences between a linux engineer and a linux systems administrator in terms of educational background:
| Linux Engineer | Linux Systems Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 linux systems administrators' demographics:
| Linux Engineer | Linux Systems Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% |
| 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, 8.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 14.0% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |