Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between linux systems engineers and principal 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 principal systems engineer. Additionally, a principal systems engineer has an average salary of $133,208, 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 principal systems engineer are systems engineering, DOD, and C++.
| Linux Systems Engineer | Principal Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $109,078 | $133,208 |
| Hourly rate | $52.44 | $64.04 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 95,790 | 146,444 |
| 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 Principal Systems Engineer supervises a group of other engineers in technical projects. They develop and lead systems engineering projects and efforts.
Linux systems engineers and principal systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Linux Systems Engineer | Principal Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $109,078 | $133,208 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $147,000 | Between $97,000 And $181,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | eBay |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a linux systems engineer and a principal systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Linux Systems Engineer | Principal 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 | Northeastern University |
Here are the differences between linux systems engineers' and principal systems engineers' demographics:
| Linux Systems Engineer | Principal Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3% | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% |
| 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, 8.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 12.8% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |