Systems operator vs junior systems administrator

The differences between systems operators and junior 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 operator and a junior systems administrator. Additionally, a junior systems administrator has an average salary of $62,225, which is higher than the $38,182 average annual salary of a systems operator.

The top three skills for a systems operator include computer system, management system and combat. The most important skills for a junior systems administrator are windows server, troubleshoot, and technical support.

Systems operator vs junior systems administrator overview

	Systems Operator	Junior Systems Administrator
Yearly salary	$38,182	$62,225
Hourly rate	$18.36	$29.92
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	91,037	154,134
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a systems operator do?

Systems operators often act as the front liners whose primary job is to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity service to consumers and businesses. They are responsible for overseeing and managing the power grid and controlling electricity flow through transmission lines. Other duties and responsibilities of systems operators include monitoring and operating current converters, observing circuit breakers and voltage transformers, and anticipating the changing needs for power due to weather. They are also responsible for communicating with key stakeholders such as power plant operators to route energy to consumers.

What does a junior systems administrator do?

A junior systems administrator is primarily responsible for handling and maintaining systems for users while under the supervision of a more experienced systems administrator. Their responsibilities often revolve around assisting senior administrators, troubleshooting support, providing installations and configurations, and handling inquiries and concerns, providing them with corrective measures. Aside from support tasks, one may also have administrative duties such as producing reports and presentations, managing schedules, and maintaining accurate data of all transactions. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to all the policies and regulations of the company.

Systems operator vs junior systems administrator salary

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

	Systems Operator	Junior Systems Administrator
Average salary	$38,182	$62,225
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $51,000	Between $51,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City	San Diego, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	DC Water	Jacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industry	Finance	Finance

Differences between systems operator and junior systems administrator education

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

	Systems Operator	Junior Systems Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common major	Business	Computer Science
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Pennsylvania

Systems operator vs junior systems administrator demographics

Here are the differences between systems operators' and junior systems administrators' demographics:

	Systems Operator	Junior Systems Administrator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8%	Male, 88.4% Female, 11.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 12.1% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between systems operator and junior systems administrator duties and responsibilities

Systems operator example responsibilities.

Manage SMS and TCP/IP protocol.
Perform and manage routine building maintenance tasks, including carpentry, plumbing, and HVAC repair and maintenance.
Manage tactical high-speed data network (THSDN), internet subscriber IP addresses, and switch caller profiles.
Manage print production, registration and logistics for several high-profile events, annual fund solicitations and annual telephone campaign.
Create and modify new user accounts in accordance with local and DOD policies and procedures.
Provide technical support for full setup, debug the problems of OSPF, switching and HSRP.

Junior systems administrator example responsibilities.

Manage Linux servers, running primarily CentOS.
Manage customer accounts and cases in Salesforce.
Load and manage customer provide encryption files.
Create, run and manage server back-ups monthly.
Develop PowerShell scripts to revamp and automate server build process.
Maintain and manage windows 2012 R2 in a virtual environment.

Systems operator vs junior systems administrator skills

Common systems operator skills

Computer System, 13%
Management System, 11%
Combat, 11%
Switches, 10%
Situational Awareness, 9%
Lan, 7%

Common junior systems administrator skills

Windows Server, 7%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Technical Support, 5%
System Administration, 5%
Switches, 5%
OS, 4%

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Systems Operator vs Junior Systems Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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