What does a senior system administrator do?
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.
Senior system administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior system administrator resumes:
- Manage and optimize the design and delivery of project associate with AIX arena.
- Manage all installs and setup of new servers, and server upgrades to server 2008 R2.
- Implement IIS servers for both the internal and external web servers and managing security on all web servers.
- Design, implement, and manage a network and domain extension in a remote location via a secure VPN link.
- Manage Cisco network equipment including firewalls and switches.
- Administer and manage daily backups via Symantec NetBackup.
- Create 1st VMWare environment, laying critical groundwork for future infrastructure expansion.
- Enhance resiliency by moving corporate services, such as DNS and DHCP, to highly available deployments.
- Maintain database and content backups for both the website and employees utilizing SAN, NAS, DAS and cloud storage.
- Support and management of network infrastructure of routers, switches, wireless access points and all VPN connections and port configurations.
- Administrate and support domain DFS.
- Involve in T-SQL query tuning.
- Monitor client's alerts by using SCOM.
- Document existing SCOM environment, and all changes.
- Audit existing GPO environment and lead total overhaul and restructure of policies.
Senior system administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Senior System Administrators are proficient in Linux, Windows Server, and Troubleshoot. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.
We break down the percentage of Senior System Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Linux, 7%
Coordinated work with developers and database administrators to deploy and monitor HA environment applications utilizing VERITAS Cluster Services and Linux Cluster.
- Windows Server, 6%
Demonstrated knowledge of deploying and maintaining Windows Server environment comprised of servers running both commercial and internally developed software.
- Troubleshoot, 5%
Collaborated with various diverse cross-functional groups to design, implement, maintain and troubleshoot geographically dispersed global ClearCase development infrastructure.
- System Administration, 4%
Execute basic functions such as System Administration, debugging/software troubleshooting, information assurance scanning, software installation/testing, and software/hardware upgrades.
- PowerShell, 4%
Produced technical documentation concerning PowerShell script-focused procedures
- SAN, 4%
Designed and integrated centralized SAN solution, increasing application speed and decreasing production database refresh times.
"linux," "windows server," and "troubleshoot" are among the most common skills that senior system administrators use at work. You can find even more senior system administrator responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a senior system administrator to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what senior system administrators do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a senior system administrator resume shows how senior system administrators use analytical skills: "developed vc++, c#, java and asp.net utilities to access data on mf using tcpip socket interface. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform senior system administrator duties is communication skills. Senior system administrators responsibilities require that "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Senior system administrators also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "utilize existing dod and federal standard communications, security, data, and other defined technical specifications. "
Multitasking skills. senior system administrators are also known for multitasking skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to senior system administrator responsibilities, because "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." A senior system administrator resume example shows how multitasking skills is used in the workplace: "refined skills in multitasking and customer service. "
Problem-solving skills. For certain senior system administrator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a senior system administrator rely on this skill, as "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what senior system administrators do: "created software solutions by planning and implementing algorithms and short programs in c++ and java. "
The three companies that hire the most senior system administrators are:
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
393 senior system administrators jobs
- General Dynamics299 senior system administrators jobs
- Deloitte192 senior system administrators jobs
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Compare different senior system administrators
Senior system administrator vs. Senior infrastructure engineer
A senior infrastructure engineer specializes in designing and developing systems and infrastructures based on client preferences and industry standards. They have the duty to identify and understand the project's needs, streamline project requirements, produce drafts, create prototypes and models, and establish tests to identify potential issues and ensure the projects' quality. Additionally, a senior infrastructure engineer has the authority to make decisions, train and supervise junior engineers, establish goals and timelines, provide technical support, and implement policies and guidelines.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between senior system administrators and senior infrastructure engineer. For instance, senior system administrator responsibilities require skills such as "dod," "microsoft windows," "user accounts," and "nas." Whereas a senior infrastructure engineer is skilled in "cloud," "aws," "customer service," and "capacity planning." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Senior infrastructure engineers tend to make the most money working in the hospitality industry, where they earn an average salary of $123,360. In contrast, senior system administrators make the biggest average salary, $104,418, in the finance industry.The education levels that senior infrastructure engineers earn slightly differ from senior system administrators. In particular, senior infrastructure engineers are 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a senior system administrator. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior system administrator vs. Lan administrator
LAN administrators are responsible for maintaining the local area network of an organization. These administrators manage the server that connects an organization's network to computers and equipment that need them. They install, configure, and troubleshoot the local area network or LAN in a corporate office. It is part of their job to ensure that the internet is available for everyone who uses computers to perform their roles. They also evaluate and recommend the computers, hardware and software, and the equipment needed to create a hack-proof server.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that senior system administrator responsibilities requires skills like "system administration," "powershell," "azure," and "dod." But a lan administrator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "network hardware," "desktop support," "network administration," and "network support."
Lan administrators may earn a lower salary than senior system administrators, but lan administrators earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $74,033. On the other hand, senior system administrators receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $104,418.In general, lan administrators achieve similar levels of education than senior system administrators. They're 4.7% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior system administrator vs. Linux administrator
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.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from senior system administrator resumes include skills like "linux," "windows server," "system administration," and "powershell," whereas a linux administrator is more likely to list skills in "python," "windows," "linux servers," and "bash. "
Linux administrators make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $82,498. On the other hand, senior system administrators are paid the highest salary in the finance industry, with average annual pay of $104,418.When it comes to education, linux administrators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to senior system administrators. In fact, they're 4.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Senior system administrator vs. Network/server administrator
A Network Administrator ensures an organizations' network is operational and up to date. They solve problems that arise within computer networks, maintaining computer networks, interacting with clients, and consulting with them to determine their system requirements.
Types of senior system administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
