Systems architect vs senior system administrator

The differences between systems architects and senior system administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a systems architect has an average salary of $103,764, which is higher than the $98,146 average annual salary of a senior system administrator.

The top three skills for a systems architect include cloud, java and python. The most important skills for a senior system administrator are linux, windows server, and troubleshoot.

Systems architect vs senior system administrator overview

	Systems Architect	Senior System Administrator
Yearly salary	$103,764	$98,146
Hourly rate	$49.89	$47.19
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	232,582	100,873
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	44	43
Years of experience	-	2

What does a systems architect do?

A systems architect specializes in designing and developing computer networks and systems for company operations. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around conducting research and analysis to identify a company's needs, devising strategies to reach particular goals, improving existing systems, and implementing solutions for optimal processes. A systems architect must also monitor the progress of all implementations, prepare progress reports and presentations, provide technical support as needed, and train new workforce members, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations, including vision and mission.

What does a senior system administrator do?

A senior system administrator specializes in overseeing the computer system operations in an organization. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around monitoring the performance of all software and hardware, installing servers, configuring systems, and making sure every technical aspect is running smoothly. Should there be any issues, they must take charge of troubleshooting and providing solutions. As someone with more experience, a senior system administrator leads and evaluates the performances of fellow skilled professionals in the department, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

Systems architect vs senior system administrator salary

Systems architects and senior system administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Systems Architect	Senior System Administrator
Average salary	$103,764	$98,146
Salary range	Between $76,000 And $141,000	Between $75,000 And $126,000
Highest paying City	Cupertino, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	Airbnb	Cambridge Associates
Best paying industry	Automotive	Finance

Differences between systems architect and senior system administrator education

There are a few differences between a systems architect and a senior system administrator in terms of educational background:

	Systems Architect	Senior System Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Systems architect vs senior system administrator demographics

Here are the differences between systems architects' and senior system administrators' demographics:

	Systems Architect	Senior System Administrator
Average age	44	43
Gender ratio	Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8%	Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 11.8% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	11%	9%

Differences between systems architect and senior system administrator duties and responsibilities

Systems architect example responsibilities.

Lead the customization of an open-source CRM platform to meet the demands of a leading EMEA pharmaceutical company.
Lead evaluation and sourcing effort for CRM implementation and implement internal tools to supplement CRM capabilities in the interim.
Manage the security and performance optimization for EJB containers and web applications in IBM websphere, IBMIHS web server.
Manage in-house and offshore consultants along with engineering team working on multiple product deployment and implementation in DEV and QA space.
Manage Linux dedicate hosting servers.
Manage SDLC for major enterprise-level system.

Senior system administrator example responsibilities.

Manage and optimize the design and delivery of project associate with AIX arena.
Manage all installs and setup of new servers, and server upgrades to server 2008 R2.
Implement IIS servers for both the internal and external web servers and managing security on all web servers.
Design, implement, and manage a network and domain extension in a remote location via a secure VPN link.
Manage Cisco network equipment including firewalls and switches.
Administer and manage daily backups via Symantec NetBackup.

Systems architect vs senior system administrator skills

Common systems architect skills

Cloud, 10%
Java, 8%
Python, 6%
C++, 6%
System Architecture, 6%
Linux, 4%

Common senior system administrator skills

Linux, 7%
Windows Server, 6%
Troubleshoot, 5%
System Administration, 4%
PowerShell, 4%
SAN, 4%

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Systems Architect vs Senior System Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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