Post job

What is a linux systems administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted expert
Maryam Farahani
introduction image

A linux systems administrator maintains and manages computer systems that run on the Linux operating system. They work to configure software, troubleshoot issues, monitor system performance, and ensure security. Linux systems administrators also create backups, implement disaster recovery, and perform regular updates to keep the system secure and up-to-date. They work closely with other IT professionals, such as developers and network engineers, to ensure the system runs smoothly and efficiently.

What general advice would you give to a linux systems administrator?

Maryam FarahaniMaryam Farahani LinkedIn profile

Engineering Instructor, Bakersfield College

Thinking about the fields they want to experience or try. And to be intentional about their job search. The best advice is learning as much as they can about what company offers. Visualizing themselves in the next 5 years as a starting point. Do they want to travel a lot, or be in management positions? Do they want to be subject matter expert, or a hands-on engineer or technologist? Their goal may change as they progress in their career but having one makes a big difference in their career choices and keeping them on track.
ScoreLinux Systems AdministratorUS Average
Salary
6.5

Avg. Salary $83,032

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 13.96%

Black or African American 8.01%

Hispanic or Latino 11.73%

Unknown 5.01%

White 60.98%

Gender

female 9.66%

male 90.34%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a linux systems administrator?

Pros

  • High demand for skilled Linux administrators

  • Good salary and job security

  • Opportunities for remote work

  • Opportunities for career advancement

  • Ability to customize and optimize systems to meet specific needs

Cons

  • Long hours and on-call responsibilities

  • High level of stress and pressure to maintain system uptime

  • Dealing with difficult clients or users

  • May require working outside of normal business hours

  • Can be physically demanding due to setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting hardware

Linux systems administrator career paths

Key steps to become a linux systems administrator

  1. Explore linux systems administrator education requirements

    Most common linux systems administrator degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.1 %

    Associate

    12.9 %

    Master's

    11.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific linux systems administrator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Python6.79%
    Windows6.55%
    Red Hat4.51%
    Troubleshoot4.48%
    OS4.24%
  3. Complete relevant linux systems administrator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New linux systems administrators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a linux systems administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real linux systems administrator resumes.
  4. Gain additional linux systems administrator certifications

    Linux systems administrator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific linux systems administrator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for linux systems administrators include Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) and Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research linux systems administrator duties and responsibilities

    • Create and manage FTP web interface to manage and send files to customer FTP site using PHP.
    • Manage F5, JVM & JBOSS, JBOSS EWS.
    • Configure and manage NetApp storage array.
    • Manage NetApp storage devices and user administration.
  6. Prepare your linux systems administrator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your linux systems administrator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a linux systems administrator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable linux systems administrator resume templates

    Build a professional linux systems administrator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your linux systems administrator resume.
    Linux Systems Administrator Resume
    Linux Systems Administrator Resume
    Linux Systems Administrator Resume
    Linux Systems Administrator Resume
    Linux Systems Administrator Resume
    Linux Systems Administrator Resume
    Linux Systems Administrator Resume
    Linux Systems Administrator Resume
    Linux Systems Administrator Resume
  7. Apply for linux systems administrator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a linux systems administrator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first linux systems administrator job

Zippi

Are you a linux systems administrator?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average linux systems administrator salary

The average linux systems administrator salary in the United States is $83,032 per year or $40 per hour. Linux systems administrator salaries range between $64,000 and $107,000 per year.

Average linux systems administrator salary
$83,032 Yearly
$39.92 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do linux systems administrators rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Linux systems administrator reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Configuring web server and cron teb and run linux command

Cons

I love every thing in linux


Working as a linux systems administrator? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

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.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs