Network security administrator vs linux administrator

The differences between network security 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 security administrator and a linux administrator. Additionally, a network security administrator has an average salary of $82,247, which is higher than the $79,996 average annual salary of a linux administrator.

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

Network security administrator vs linux administrator overview

	Network Security Administrator	Linux Administrator
Yearly salary	$82,247	$79,996
Hourly rate	$39.54	$38.46
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	130,342	56,604
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a network security administrator do?

A Network Security Administrator works to ensure the security of the network systems and data in a company. They are responsible for developing and implementing security programs and protocols, establishing security guidelines, monitoring the networks, keeping an eye for any suspicious activities, or performing interventions to protect networks and data. They also respond to distress and investigates breaches to prevent them from happening again. In some companies, a Network Security Administrator is also in charge of managing network security staff, supervising their performance for an efficient workflow.

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 security administrator vs linux administrator salary

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

	Network Security Administrator	Linux Administrator
Average salary	$82,247	$79,996
Salary range	Between $59,000 And $113,000	Between $62,000 And $101,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Palo Alto, CA
Highest paying state	California	Maryland
Best paying company	Portland General Electric	Medline
Best paying industry	Finance	Technology

Differences between network security administrator and linux administrator education

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

	Network Security Administrator	Linux Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Network security administrator vs linux administrator demographics

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

	Network Security Administrator	Linux Administrator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%	Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 11.8% White, 61.8% 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 security administrator and linux administrator duties and responsibilities

Network security administrator example responsibilities.

Manage, configure, and verify available IP addresses.
Install, configure and manage virtual servers in a VMWare environment.
Monitor traffic/mail issues for IronPort and manage the VMWare network system, minimizing problems and maintaining smooth work flow.
Lead architecture and design sessions with customers; initiate technical meetings with customer engineers to further engage and identify additional opportunities.
Install and configure Cisco routers and switches for internet connectivity and establishing an enterprise network.
Perform weekly internal and external systems and configurations vulnerability assessments of all network firewalls, switches and routers.

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 security administrator vs linux administrator skills

Common network security administrator skills

Network Security, 8%
Troubleshoot, 6%
Switches, 6%
IDS, 4%
Security Policies, 4%
Routers, 4%

Common linux administrator skills

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

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Network Security Administrator vs Linux Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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