Network administrator vs linux administrator

The differences between network administrators 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 network administrator and a linux administrator. Additionally, a linux administrator has an average salary of $79,996, which is higher than the $71,357 average annual salary of a network administrator.

The top three skills for a network administrator include switches, windows server and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a linux administrator are python, windows, and linux servers.

Network administrator vs linux administrator overview

	Network Administrator	Linux Administrator
Yearly salary	$71,357	$79,996
Hourly rate	$34.31	$38.46
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	106,886	56,604
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a network administrator do?

A network administrator is responsible for managing an organization's computer systems, ensuring its smooth operations and highest efficiency. Network administrators' duties include inspecting network malfunctions, troubleshooting unresponsive programs, improving system processes, analyzing client's specifications, upgrading existing applications, coordinating with the technology department, and creating a report of network issues resolutions. A network administrator should display a strong command of programming languages. Extensive knowledge in the technology industry and analytical and problem-solving skills to manage network problems immediately is also necessary.

What does a linux administrator do?

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.

Network administrator vs linux administrator salary

Network administrators and linux administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Network Administrator	Linux Administrator
Average salary	$71,357	$79,996
Salary range	Between $56,000 And $90,000	Between $62,000 And $101,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Palo Alto, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	Maryland
Best paying company	Google	Medline
Best paying industry	Finance	Technology

Differences between network administrator and linux administrator education

There are a few differences between a network administrator and a linux administrator in terms of educational background:

	Network Administrator	Linux Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Network administrator vs linux administrator demographics

Here are the differences between network administrators' and linux administrators' demographics:

	Network Administrator	Linux Administrator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4%	Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 9.6% White, 63.7% 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%

Differences between network administrator and linux administrator duties and responsibilities

Network administrator example responsibilities.

Lead and manage desktop standards project.
Manage backups using EMC Networker and Avamar.
Manage Solarwinds to monitor servers and networks for all locations.
Manage all provisioning and technical issues for new customer IP blocks.
Deploy and manage storage (windows file servers and NetApp NAS).
Manage all technology: Novell, Microsoft, Cisco, email, library, labs, dorms, programs

Linux administrator example responsibilities.

Manage PGP/GPG encryption in FTP/SFTP scripts.
Manage TCP/IP packets and DHCP servers and resolving TCP/IP network access problems for the clients.
Manage entire network infrastructure, switches, firewalls, servers (configuration/installation), patch management, vendor relations.
Configure and manage splunk forwarders.
Develop bash scripts to automate system/build processing.
Work with Zen virtualization to manage virtual Linux operating systems.

Network administrator vs linux administrator skills

Common network administrator skills

Switches, 7%
Windows Server, 6%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Network Hardware, 5%
Routers, 4%
Lan Wan, 4%

Common linux administrator skills

Python, 7%
Windows, 5%
Linux Servers, 4%
Bash, 4%
Red Hat, 4%
OS, 3%

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Network Administrator vs Linux Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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