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The differences between 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 security administrator and a linux administrator. Additionally, a linux administrator has an average salary of $79,996, which is higher than the $79,564 average annual salary of a security administrator.
The top three skills for a security administrator include customer service, troubleshoot and security procedures. The most important skills for a linux administrator are python, windows, and linux servers.
| Security Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $79,564 | $79,996 |
| Hourly rate | $38.25 | $38.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 99,222 | 56,604 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A security administrator is in charge of establishing and enforcing security measures over a company's information systems and networks. Their duties typically revolve around installing and maintaining security networks, analyzing existing systems to identify areas needing improvement, conducting regular maintenance checks and upgrades to optimize services and functions, and monitoring overall systems for any suspicious activities or breaches. Furthermore, as a security administrator, it is essential to develop information technology solutions in adherence to the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
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.
Security administrators and linux administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Security Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average salary | $79,564 | $79,996 |
| Salary range | Between $54,000 And $115,000 | Between $62,000 And $101,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Gap Inc. | Medline |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a security administrator and a linux administrator in terms of educational background:
| Security Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Bakersfield | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between security administrators' and linux administrators' demographics:
| Security Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.1% Female, 41.9% | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 8.7% White, 63.8% 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% |