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The differences between senior linux engineers 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 senior linux engineer and a linux administrator. Additionally, a senior linux engineer has an average salary of $109,623, which is higher than the $79,996 average annual salary of a linux administrator.
The top three skills for a senior linux engineer include python, AWS and cloud. The most important skills for a linux administrator are python, windows, and linux servers.
| Senior Linux Engineer | Linux Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $109,623 | $79,996 |
| Hourly rate | $52.70 | $38.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 57,475 | 56,604 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Senior Linux engineers are lead information technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for implementing and monitoring computer programs that are created through the Linux system. These senior engineers are required to lead their departments to develop and implement solutions by using project management principles for disaster recovery. They are required to provide various system administration support tasks for Linux program users. Senior Linux engineers must also work with their networking teams to provide troubleshooting procedures for complex application issues.
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.
Senior linux engineers and linux administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Linux Engineer | Linux Administrator | |
| Average salary | $109,623 | $79,996 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $145,000 | Between $62,000 And $101,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Apple | Medline |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Technology |
There are a few differences between a senior linux engineer and a linux administrator in terms of educational background:
| Senior Linux Engineer | Linux Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between senior linux engineers' and linux administrators' demographics:
| Senior Linux Engineer | Linux Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 14.0% White, 60.9% 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% |