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The differences between systems support administrators and linux 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 support administrator and a linux administrator. Additionally, a systems support administrator has an average salary of $86,448, which is higher than the $79,996 average annual salary of a linux administrator.
The top three skills for a systems support administrator include troubleshoot, linux and SQL. The most important skills for a linux administrator are python, windows, and linux servers.
| Systems Support Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $86,448 | $79,996 |
| Hourly rate | $41.56 | $38.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 192,994 | 56,604 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A system administrator acquires, installs, or upgrades computer software and components. System administrators perform routine automation of the computer system. They maintain the security policies of organizations or institutions. It is their job to supervise or train their staff or provide support for different projects. They also determine the problems found in the system, analyze the issues, and do repairs whenever necessary. The skills they need include scripting languages, security and monitoring, and account access management.
A Linux administrator is responsible for monitoring the efficiency of Linux operating systems to support business operations and high-quality deliverables. Linux administrators handle the resolution of Linux network issues, maintaining its stability and ensuring its safety and security from unauthorized access and malware threats. They also conduct regular maintenance to configure the system navigation and infrastructure, running multiple diagnostic tests to identify defects, and recommending strategic procedures for system enhancement. A Linux administrator must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in providing technical support on faulty servers.
Systems support administrators and linux administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Support Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average salary | $86,448 | $79,996 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $110,000 | Between $62,000 And $101,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Deft | Medline |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a systems support administrator and a linux administrator in terms of educational background:
| Systems Support Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between systems support administrators' and linux administrators' demographics:
| Systems Support Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 10.1% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 13.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |