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The differences between systems administrators and systems integrators 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 systems integrator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems integrator has an average salary of $102,867, 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 systems integrator are architecture, troubleshoot, and project management.
| Systems Administrator | Systems Integrator | |
| Yearly salary | $77,156 | $102,867 |
| Hourly rate | $37.09 | $49.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 134,500 | 98,466 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
In the information technology (IT) industry, a systems integrator specializes in designing and developing computing systems using a variety of software, hardware, and other subsystems. To carry out their duties, they must communicate with clients to identify their IT needs and preferences, perform research and analysis to determine the ideal IT practices, troubleshoot issues, liaise with subsystem vendors, and develop strategies to optimize operations. Moreover, a systems integrator typically works with a team of IT specialists and engineers, requiring an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Systems administrators and systems integrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Administrator | Systems Integrator | |
| Average salary | $77,156 | $102,867 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $100,000 | Between $76,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between a systems administrator and a systems integrator in terms of educational background:
| Systems Administrator | Systems Integrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems administrators' and systems integrators' demographics:
| Systems Administrator | Systems Integrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% |
| 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, 10.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.5% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |