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The differences between linux systems engineers and linux 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 engineer and a linux administrator. Additionally, a linux systems engineer has an average salary of $109,078, which is higher than the $79,996 average annual salary of a linux administrator.
The top three skills for a linux systems engineer include python, bash and cloud. The most important skills for a linux administrator are python, windows, and linux servers.
| Linux Systems Engineer | Linux Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $109,078 | $79,996 |
| Hourly rate | $52.44 | $38.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 95,790 | 56,604 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| 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 Linux administrator is responsible for monitoring the efficiency of Linux operating systems to support business operations and high-quality deliverables. Linux administrators handle the resolution of Linux network issues, maintaining its stability and ensuring its safety and security from unauthorized access and malware threats. They also conduct regular maintenance to configure the system navigation and infrastructure, running multiple diagnostic tests to identify defects, and recommending strategic procedures for system enhancement. A Linux administrator must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in providing technical support on faulty servers.
Linux systems engineers and linux administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Linux Systems Engineer | Linux Administrator | |
| Average salary | $109,078 | $79,996 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $147,000 | Between $62,000 And $101,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Meta | Medline |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a linux systems engineer and a linux administrator in terms of educational background:
| Linux Systems Engineer | Linux Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between linux systems engineers' and linux administrators' demographics:
| Linux Systems Engineer | Linux Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3% | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% |
| 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, 8.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 13.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |