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The differences between systems 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 systems administrator and a linux administrator. Additionally, a linux administrator has an average salary of $79,996, 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 linux administrator are python, windows, and linux servers.
| Systems Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $77,156 | $79,996 |
| Hourly rate | $37.09 | $38.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 134,500 | 56,604 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
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.
Systems administrators and linux administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average salary | $77,156 | $79,996 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $100,000 | Between $62,000 And $101,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Meta | Medline |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a systems administrator and a linux administrator in terms of educational background:
| Systems Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | 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 systems administrators' and linux administrators' demographics:
| Systems Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% |
| 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, 8.0% 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% |