Systems administrator vs security administrator

The differences between systems administrators and security 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 security administrator. Additionally, a security administrator has an average salary of $79,564, 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 security administrator are customer service, troubleshoot, and security procedures.

Systems administrator vs security administrator overview

	Systems Administrator	Security Administrator
Yearly salary	$77,156	$79,564
Hourly rate	$37.09	$38.25
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	134,500	99,222
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 60%	Bachelor's Degree, 54%
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 security administrator do?

A security administrator is in charge of establishing and enforcing security measures over a company's information systems and networks. Their duties typically revolve around installing and maintaining security networks, analyzing existing systems to identify areas needing improvement, conducting regular maintenance checks and upgrades to optimize services and functions, and monitoring overall systems for any suspicious activities or breaches. Furthermore, as a security administrator, it is essential to develop information technology solutions in adherence to the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.

Systems administrator vs security administrator salary

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

	Systems Administrator	Security Administrator
Average salary	$77,156	$79,564
Salary range	Between $59,000 And $100,000	Between $54,000 And $115,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	Meta	Gap Inc.
Best paying industry	Technology	Government

Differences between systems administrator and security administrator education

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

	Systems Administrator	Security Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 60%	Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common major	Computer Science	Business
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	California State University - Bakersfield

Systems administrator vs security administrator demographics

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

	Systems Administrator	Security Administrator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%	Male, 58.1% Female, 41.9%
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, 9.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 8.7% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between systems administrator and security 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.

Security administrator example responsibilities.

Manage updates and creation of intranet file.
Create, manage, and maintain corporate LAN.
Manage and monitor various tools and reporting tools relating to security and encryption.
Manage all network objects: computers, users, TCP/IP resources, printers, copier.
Manage staff to implement JCL procedure modifications.
Utilize PowerShell scripts to automate system administrative tasks.

Systems administrator vs security administrator skills

Common systems administrator skills

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

Common security administrator skills

Customer Service, 10%
Troubleshoot, 6%
Security Procedures, 6%
Data Entry, 5%
Security Policies, 5%
SCI, 5%

Systems Administrator vs. similar jobs

Systems Administrator related careers

Systems Administrator related jobs

Systems Administrator jobs by location

Zippia Careers
Computer and Mathematical Industry
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrator vs Security Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs