What does a unix/linux administrator do?
Unix/linux administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real unix/linux administrator resumes:
- Use bash shell scripting to schedule and automate processes.
- Manage installation, configuration, upgrades, and patch systems running OS such as Redhat and Centos.
- Manage storage allocations in SAN environment.
- Install and configure Nagios monitoring tool to manage infrastructure.
- Manage prominent level web applications and work with windows and Linux base administrations in physical/virtual environments.
- Work on implementation of several native Linux services like NFS, FTP, DNS, NTP, and LVM etc.
- Create PERL scripts to generate disk and file space alerts.
- Modify and create bash shell scripts to set automated backup schedule.
- Develop Perl, shell scripts for automation of the build and release process.
- Work on FTP servers for sending and receiving files between local and remote servers.
- Used LVM for the management of logical volumes including creation of physical volumes in Linux.
- Work on the FTP remediation project to disable the FTP daemon and enabling SFTP usage.
- Isolate an application that is misbehaving during the testing phase into a separate tomcat instance.
- Involve in back up, firewall rules, LVM configuration, monitoring servers and on call support.
- Implement the supporting platform for OpenStack infrastructure on the cloud that all services and applications will rely upon.
Unix/linux administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 6% of Unix/Linux Administrators are proficient in Linux Servers, Unix, and Windows. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Unix/Linux Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Linux Servers, 6%
Performed administration tasks on Windows and Linux servers as notified by monitoring systems following documented procedures.
- Unix, 5%
Job description: Managed Linux/UNIX systems and supported business applications.
- Windows, 4%
Documented server configurations, business contacts, windows of operations, and problem resolutions.
- RHEL, 4%
Involved in documentation of RHEL environment and configuration details.
- NFS, 3%
Configured and maintained NFS per environments requirements.
- Red Hat, 3%
Conducted common, senior-level systems administration functions for different Red Hat Linux versions.
Most unix/linux administrators use their skills in "linux servers," "unix," and "windows" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential unix/linux administrator responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a unix/linux administrator to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what unix/linux administrators do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a unix/linux administrator resume shows how unix/linux administrators use analytical skills: "design, implement, and administer hacmp solutions for business critical applications based on aix, including multiple udb database systems. "
Communication skills. Many unix/linux administrator duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a unix/linux administrator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways unix/linux administrator responsibilities rely on communication skills: "implemented networking communication skills and protocols such as tcp/ip, telnet, ftp, ndm, ssh, rlogin. "
Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of unix/linux administrators is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday unix/linux administrator duties, as "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "trouble shooting and problem resolutions in sun, linux and aix servers. "
The three companies that hire the most unix/linux administrators are:
- ICONMA2 unix/linux administrators jobs
- Kforce1 unix/linux administrators jobs
- TWO95 International1 unix/linux administrators jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable unix/linux administrator resume templates
Build a professional unix/linux administrator resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your unix/linux administrator resume.
Compare different unix/linux administrators
Unix/linux administrator vs. Assistant systems administrator
Assistant systems administrators are responsible for supporting a team with their day-to-day operations of a company's computer systems and networks. They perform varied tasks, including monitoring, maintaining, and testing internet performance, ensuring the availability of computer networks for all users, and troubleshooting system failures and computer hardware and software issues. Assistant systems administrators may conduct training and support other network users within the organization. Additional tasks also include monitoring and evaluating the efficiency of operations and preparing systems and software documentation.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, unix/linux administrator responsibilities require skills like "linux servers," "windows," "rhel," and "nfs." Meanwhile a typical assistant systems administrator has skills in areas such as "customer service," "patients," "payroll," and "powerpoint." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Assistant systems administrators really shine in the health care industry with an average salary of $46,025. Comparatively, unix/linux administrators tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $94,896.On average, assistant systems administrators reach similar levels of education than unix/linux administrators. Assistant systems administrators are 1.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Unix/linux administrator vs. Systems administrator lead
A systems administrator lead is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing procedures for critical enterprise systems. Typical duties of systems administrators include managing the day-to-day operations of a company's computer and network systems, developing new application and system implementation plans, and establishing guidelines for installing and managing the organization's computer operating systems. In addition, you are expected to ensure the security of computer systems by preventing unauthorized use, user abuse, and acts of nature.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, unix/linux administrator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "linux servers," "windows," "rhel," and "vmware virtual." Meanwhile, a systems administrator lead has duties that require skills in areas such as "linux," "project management," "windows server," and "technical support." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Systems administrator leads earn a higher average salary than unix/linux administrators. But systems administrator leads earn the highest pay in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $103,205. Additionally, unix/linux administrators earn the highest salaries in the retail with average pay of $94,896 annually.systems administrator leads earn similar levels of education than unix/linux administrators in general. They're 4.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Unix/linux administrator vs. Network/server administrator
A Network Administrator ensures an organizations' network is operational and up to date. They solve problems that arise within computer networks, maintaining computer networks, interacting with clients, and consulting with them to determine their system requirements.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a unix/linux administrator is likely to be skilled in "linux servers," "windows," "rhel," and "nfs," while a typical network/server administrator is skilled in "customer service," "windows server," "troubleshoot," and "linux."
Network/server administrators earn the best pay in the manufacturing industry, where they command an average salary of $84,609. Unix/linux administrators earn the highest pay from the retail industry, with an average salary of $94,896.When it comes to education, network/server administrators tend to earn lower degree levels compared to unix/linux administrators. In fact, they're 8.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Unix/linux administrator vs. Help desk administrator
Help desk administrator is responsible for handling activities related to system support for their company or organization. They are in charge of providing superb client experiences and working in resolving support issues in a professional and timely manner. One of their primary tasks includes providing login resets and passwords for end-users. In addition, they will also perform innovative systems and network repairs, as well as assist computer information responses as required. Moreover, they support complete equipment set-up, renewal, or termination of a user account, handle server, and domain account changes.
Types of unix/linux administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
