Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between linux systems engineers and lead 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 engineer and a lead systems engineer. Additionally, a lead systems engineer has an average salary of $119,705, which is higher than the $109,078 average annual salary of a linux systems engineer.
The top three skills for a linux systems engineer include python, bash and cloud. The most important skills for a lead systems engineer are systems engineering, architecture, and infrastructure.
| Linux Systems Engineer | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $109,078 | $119,705 |
| Hourly rate | $52.44 | $57.55 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 95,790 | 186,392 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A Linux system engineer is responsible for creating computer applications and programs through the Linux operating system. Linux system engineers design technical model solutions that would improve the efficiency of operational processes and maximize the staff's productivity. They also handle the upgrade of network infrastructure, system maintenance, and installment of software updates. A Linux system engineer must have excellent knowledge of the Linux methods, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to generate system tools according to business requirements and client specifications.
A lead systems engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the systems infrastructure and improving the stability of the operating systems to support business operations. Lead systems engineers install and upgrade software applications and ensure that the technical strategies meet the quality standards and business requirements. They also enhance the performance of the existing systems, configuring features for optimization. A lead systems engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in supporting the end-users with technical failures and identifying accurate resolutions.
Linux systems engineers and lead systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Linux Systems Engineer | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $109,078 | $119,705 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $147,000 | Between $90,000 And $158,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a linux systems engineer and a lead systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Linux Systems Engineer | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| 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 engineers' and lead systems engineers' demographics:
| Linux Systems Engineer | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3% | Male, 88.1% Female, 11.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.7% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 12.5% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |