Systems administrator vs linux systems administrator

The differences between systems administrators 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 systems administrator and a linux systems administrator. Additionally, a linux systems administrator has an average salary of $83,032, 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 systems administrator are python, windows, and red hat.

Systems administrator vs linux systems administrator overview

	Systems Administrator	Linux Systems Administrator
Yearly salary	$77,156	$83,032
Hourly rate	$37.09	$39.92
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	134,500	109,091
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 60%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a systems administrator do?

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.

What does a linux systems administrator do?

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.

Systems administrator vs linux systems administrator salary

Systems administrators and linux systems administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Systems Administrator	Linux Systems Administrator
Average salary	$77,156	$83,032
Salary range	Between $59,000 And $100,000	Between $64,000 And $107,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	Meta	Apple
Best paying industry	Technology	Finance

Differences between systems administrator and linux systems administrator education

There are a few differences between a systems administrator and a linux systems administrator in terms of educational background:

	Systems Administrator	Linux Systems Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 60%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Systems administrator vs linux systems administrator demographics

Here are the differences between systems administrators' and linux systems administrators' demographics:

	Systems Administrator	Linux Systems Administrator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%	Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7%
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, 14.0% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between systems administrator and linux systems administrator duties and responsibilities

Systems administrator example responsibilities.

Used Jenkins to automate most of the build relate tasks.
Manage windows file servers, messaging, and SQL databases.
Lead the project which integrate internal DNS into the corporate LDAP infrastructure for end user host management prior to deployment.
Lead business-critical information security initiatives involving encryption of customer data.
Authore and maintain shell and Perl scripts to automate administration tasks for infrastructure management.
Configure & manage all switches and servers responsible for providing WLAN connectivity and authentication services.

Linux systems administrator example responsibilities.

Create and manage FTP web interface to manage and send files to customer FTP site using PHP.
Manage F5, JVM & JBOSS, JBOSS EWS.
Configure and manage NetApp storage array.
Manage NetApp storage devices and user administration.
Manage systems volume using SVM, LVM, NAS, VERITAS volume manager.
Manage Blackduck servers - configure on 8 quad cpu and 32gB memory and 16TB storage.

Systems administrator vs linux systems administrator skills

Common systems administrator skills

Linux, 7%
Troubleshoot, 7%
Windows Server, 6%
Database, 5%
Technical Support, 4%
PowerShell, 3%

Common linux systems administrator skills

Python, 7%
Windows, 7%
Red Hat, 5%
Troubleshoot, 4%
OS, 4%
System Administration, 4%

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Systems Administrator vs Linux Systems Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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