Linux systems administrator vs junior systems administrator

The differences between linux systems administrators and junior 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 systems administrator and a junior systems administrator. Additionally, a linux systems administrator has an average salary of $83,032, which is higher than the $62,225 average annual salary of a junior systems administrator.

The top three skills for a linux systems administrator include python, windows and red hat. The most important skills for a junior systems administrator are windows server, troubleshoot, and technical support.

Linux systems administrator vs junior systems administrator overview

	Linux Systems Administrator	Junior Systems Administrator
Yearly salary	$83,032	$62,225
Hourly rate	$39.92	$29.92
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	109,091	154,134
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a linux systems administrator do?

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.

What does a junior systems administrator do?

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.

Linux systems administrator vs junior systems administrator salary

Linux systems administrators and junior systems administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Linux Systems Administrator	Junior Systems Administrator
Average salary	$83,032	$62,225
Salary range	Between $64,000 And $107,000	Between $51,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	Washington
Best paying company	Apple	Jacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industry	Finance	Finance

Differences between linux systems administrator and junior systems administrator education

There are a few differences between a linux systems administrator and a junior systems administrator in terms of educational background:

	Linux Systems Administrator	Junior Systems Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	University of Pennsylvania

Linux systems administrator vs junior systems administrator demographics

Here are the differences between linux systems administrators' and junior systems administrators' demographics:

	Linux Systems Administrator	Junior Systems Administrator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7%	Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 12.1% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between linux systems administrator and junior systems administrator duties and responsibilities

Linux systems administrator example 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.
Manage systems volume using SVM, LVM, NAS, VERITAS volume manager.
Manage Blackduck servers - configure on 8 quad cpu and 32gB memory and 16TB storage.

Junior systems administrator example responsibilities.

Manage Linux servers, running primarily CentOS.
Manage customer accounts and cases in Salesforce.
Load and manage customer provide encryption files.
Create, run and manage server back-ups monthly.
Develop PowerShell scripts to revamp and automate server build process.
Maintain and manage windows 2012 R2 in a virtual environment.

Linux systems administrator vs junior systems administrator skills

Common linux systems administrator skills

Python, 7%
Windows, 7%
Red Hat, 5%
Troubleshoot, 4%
OS, 4%
System Administration, 4%

Common junior systems administrator skills

Windows Server, 7%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Technical Support, 5%
System Administration, 5%
Switches, 5%
OS, 4%

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Linux Systems Administrator vs Junior Systems Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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