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Linux systems engineer vs unix systems administrator

The differences between linux systems engineers and unix systems 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 unix systems administrator. Additionally, a linux systems engineer has an average salary of $109,078, which is higher than the $87,936 average annual salary of a unix systems administrator.

The top three skills for a linux systems engineer include python, bash and cloud. The most important skills for a unix systems administrator are production servers, solaris, and database.

Linux systems engineer vs unix systems administrator overview

Linux Systems EngineerUnix Systems Administrator
Yearly salary$109,078$87,936
Hourly rate$52.44$42.28
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs95,790110,185
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a linux systems engineer do?

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.

What does a unix systems administrator do?

UNIX system administrators install, configure, and maintain the UNIX systems of organizations. The administrators are in charge of the troubleshooting of server errors. They install new system hardware for their respective organizations and respond to the issues raised by the users. It is part of their job to monitor the network's performance. Usually, they are working in an office using UNIX multiuser operating system. They supervise the execution of data conversion projects such as database hardware replacements.

Linux systems engineer vs unix systems administrator salary

Linux systems engineers and unix systems administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Linux Systems EngineerUnix Systems Administrator
Average salary$109,078$87,936
Salary rangeBetween $80,000 And $147,000Between $64,000 And $119,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew HampshireCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaPayPal
Best paying industryTechnologyFinance

Differences between linux systems engineer and unix systems administrator education

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

Linux Systems EngineerUnix Systems Administrator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Linux systems engineer vs unix systems administrator demographics

Here are the differences between linux systems engineers' and unix systems administrators' demographics:

Linux Systems EngineerUnix Systems Administrator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 92.7% Female, 7.3%Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8%
Race ratioBlack 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, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.8% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between linux systems engineer and unix systems administrator duties and responsibilities

Linux systems engineer example responsibilities.

  • Lead the drive to upgrade from SMS to SCCM to take advantage of the advanced features that SCCM offer.
  • Manage VMware (ESX & ESXi) servers and clusters.
  • Create and manage user accounts and groups permissions on RHEL6 systems using LDAP.
  • Manage disk configurations using LVM on local servers as well as NFS systems.
  • Experience in AWS, which include managing application in the cloud and creating instances.
  • Perform pSeries Virtualization in AIX environments, build and manage VIO servers and clients.
  • Show more

Unix systems administrator example responsibilities.

  • Manage LUN assignments from Shark/Hitachi SAN through the fiber switches.
  • Manage system kernel settings to boost performance base on root cause analysis for performance issues.
  • Manage and maintain local area network (TCP/IP), consisting of 2 NCR 3430 servers and 130+ client workstations.
  • Help automate server and storage provisioning.
  • Manage resources for zones using Solaris 10container technology.
  • Manage AWS services and provide redundancy for internal corporate systems.
  • Show more

Linux systems engineer vs unix systems administrator skills

Common linux systems engineer skills
  • Python, 11%
  • Bash, 5%
  • Cloud, 4%
  • Centos, 4%
  • Red Hat, 4%
  • Troubleshoot, 4%
Common unix systems administrator skills
  • Production Servers, 8%
  • Solaris, 5%
  • Database, 4%
  • SAN, 4%
  • System Administration, 4%
  • Troubleshoot, 4%

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