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The differences between senior linux engineers and linux 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 senior linux engineer and a linux systems administrator. Additionally, a senior linux engineer has an average salary of $109,623, which is higher than the $83,032 average annual salary of a linux systems administrator.
The top three skills for a senior linux engineer include python, AWS and cloud. The most important skills for a linux systems administrator are python, windows, and red hat.
| Senior Linux Engineer | Linux Systems Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $109,623 | $83,032 |
| Hourly rate | $52.70 | $39.92 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 57,475 | 109,091 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 systems administrator is primarily in charge of managing and overseeing Linux operating systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around installing and conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting, performing repairs, and monitoring systems performance to ensure optimal operations. They must also develop back-up and security systems as preventive measures should there be any issues or emergencies. Furthermore, as an administrator, it is essential to manage and encourage team members to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Senior linux engineers and linux systems administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Linux Engineer | Linux Systems Administrator | |
| Average salary | $109,623 | $83,032 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $145,000 | Between $64,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Finance |
There are a few differences between a senior linux engineer and a linux systems administrator in terms of educational background:
| Senior Linux Engineer | Linux Systems Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 systems administrators' demographics:
| Senior Linux Engineer | Linux Systems Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% |
| 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, 14.0% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |