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The differences between senior system 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 senior system administrator and a linux administrator. Additionally, a senior system administrator has an average salary of $98,146, which is higher than the $79,996 average annual salary of a linux administrator.
The top three skills for a senior system administrator include linux, windows server and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a linux administrator are python, windows, and linux servers.
| Senior System Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $98,146 | $79,996 |
| Hourly rate | $47.19 | $38.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 100,873 | 56,604 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A senior system administrator specializes in overseeing the computer system operations in an organization. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around monitoring the performance of all software and hardware, installing servers, configuring systems, and making sure every technical aspect is running smoothly. Should there be any issues, they must take charge of troubleshooting and providing solutions. As someone with more experience, a senior system administrator leads and evaluates the performances of fellow skilled professionals in the department, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
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 system administrators and linux administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior System Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average salary | $98,146 | $79,996 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $126,000 | Between $62,000 And $101,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Cambridge Associates | Medline |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a senior system administrator and a linux administrator in terms of educational background:
| Senior System Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | 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 system administrators' and linux administrators' demographics:
| Senior System Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0% | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 11.8% White, 61.4% 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% |