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The differences between systems administrators and database administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a systems administrator, becoming a database administrator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a database administrator has an average salary of $81,960, which is higher than the $77,156 average annual salary of a systems administrator.
The top three skills for a systems administrator include linux, troubleshoot and windows server. The most important skills for a database administrator are customer service, linux, and microsoft sql server.
| Systems Administrator | Database Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $77,156 | $81,960 |
| Hourly rate | $37.09 | $39.40 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 134,500 | 56,992 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 43 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.
Database administrators use specially designed software to keep, organize, restore, and secure data for businesses, employees, and customers from unauthorized people or unwanted users. They search for potential security risks or issues and proactively correct or find appropriate solutions. They are highly trained tech experts who work full-time for establishments that give computer design services or in industries that have huge databases, such as educational academies, institutions, and insurance firms. It is their responsibility to closely monitor the database system to ensure efficiency and functionality. They work jointly with information systems managers to customize database solutions based on corporate needs. They also coordinate the systems that data analysts use for translating numbers into strategic business plans.
Systems administrators and database administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Administrator | Database Administrator | |
| Average salary | $77,156 | $81,960 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $100,000 | Between $60,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a systems administrator and a database administrator in terms of educational background:
| Systems Administrator | Database Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems administrators' and database administrators' demographics:
| Systems Administrator | Database Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% | Male, 61.4% Female, 38.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 11.5% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 17.7% White, 59.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 6% |