Linux systems administrator vs systems administrator lead

The differences between linux systems administrators and systems administrator leads 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 systems administrator lead. Additionally, a systems administrator lead has an average salary of $99,956, which is higher than the $83,032 average annual salary of a linux systems administrator.

The top three skills for a linux systems administrator include python, windows and red hat. The most important skills for a systems administrator lead are linux, project management, and windows server.

Linux systems administrator vs systems administrator lead overview

	Linux Systems Administrator	Systems Administrator Lead
Yearly salary	$83,032	$99,956
Hourly rate	$39.92	$48.06
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	109,091	132,285
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 systems administrator lead do?

A systems administrator lead is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing procedures for critical enterprise systems. Typical duties of systems administrators include managing the day-to-day operations of a company's computer and network systems, developing new application and system implementation plans, and establishing guidelines for installing and managing the organization's computer operating systems. In addition, you are expected to ensure the security of computer systems by preventing unauthorized use, user abuse, and acts of nature.

Linux systems administrator vs systems administrator lead salary

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

	Linux Systems Administrator	Systems Administrator Lead
Average salary	$83,032	$99,956
Salary range	Between $64,000 And $107,000	Between $77,000 And $129,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	California
Best paying company	Apple	Kabam
Best paying industry	Finance	Telecommunication

Differences between linux systems administrator and systems administrator lead education

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

	Linux Systems Administrator	Systems Administrator Lead
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	Stanford University

Linux systems administrator vs systems administrator lead demographics

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

	Linux Systems Administrator	Systems Administrator Lead
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7%	Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4%
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, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 9.7% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between linux systems administrator and systems administrator lead 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.

Systems administrator lead example responsibilities.

Manage all Citrix user connections and issues, print network, server environment and supplies.
Manage printers on the print servers and re-serve IP addresses for devices from the DHCP servers.
Manage software development group SharePoint portal.
Save company many hours of manual testing and developing by engineering Java applications to automate tedious tasks.
Manage development, manufacturing, test and delivery of custom broadband RF electronic test systems for military and aerospace customers.
Perform day-to-day management of system applications and services (NTP, DNS, LDAP, etc .).

Linux systems administrator vs systems administrator lead skills

Common linux systems administrator skills

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

Common systems administrator lead skills

Linux, 6%
Project Management, 6%
Windows Server, 5%
System Performance, 5%
Technical Support, 5%
Database, 5%

Linux Systems Administrator vs. similar jobs

Linux Systems Administrator related careers

Linux Systems Administrator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Computer and Mathematical Industry
Linux Systems Administrator
Linux Systems Administrator vs Systems Administrator Lead

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs