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The differences between linux systems administrators and 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 systems administrator and a systems engineer. Additionally, a linux systems administrator has an average salary of $83,032, which is higher than the $82,834 average annual salary of a systems engineer.
The top three skills for a linux systems administrator include python, windows and red hat. The most important skills for a systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.
| Linux Systems Administrator | Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $83,032 | $82,834 |
| Hourly rate | $39.92 | $39.82 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 109,091 | 145,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Linux systems administrators and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Linux Systems Administrator | Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $83,032 | $82,834 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $107,000 | Between $62,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a linux systems administrator and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Linux Systems Administrator | Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 systems administrators' and systems engineers' demographics:
| Linux Systems Administrator | Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |