How To Become A Unix Systems Administrator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a unix systems administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Unix is the backbone of Internet services and is widely used in all forms of computing systems, such as desktop, laptop, and server systems. You can ensure that these systems are in tip-top shape by becoming a Unix system administrator. As an administrator, you'll be responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining Unix systems.

Some of the things that you'll get to do in this role include installing and upgrading Unix system software on servers and computers, creating Unix file systems, setting up and maintaining user accounts, as well as detecting and troubleshooting software and hardware issues. You'll also be expected to ensure scalability and appropriate integration with other systems.

In order to become a Unix systems administrator, you'll need to be a technical-oriented individual with strong problem-solving skills. You'll also need to have extensive knowledge of Unix operating environments, file systems, and network protocols. An in-depth understanding of Unix principles, file editing, Unix commands, and file manipulation is also a must.

If you'd like to become a system administrator, you'll definitely need to have a Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.

ScoreUnix Systems AdministratorUS Average

Salary

6.9

Avg. Salary $87,936

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 13.77%

Black or African American 7.91%

Hispanic or Latino 11.63%

Unknown 5.00%

White 61.38%

Gender

female 14.85%

male 85.15%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a unix systems administrator

Explore unix systems administrator education requirements

Most common unix systems administrator degrees

Bachelor's

67.5 %

Associate

16.1 %

Master's

11.3 %

Start to develop specific unix systems administrator skills

Skills	Percentages
Production Servers	7.84%
Solaris	5.04%
Database	4.48%
SAN	4.23%
System Administration	4.15%

Complete relevant unix systems administrator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New unix systems administrators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a unix systems administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real unix systems administrator resumes.

Gain additional unix systems administrator certifications

Unix systems administrator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific unix systems administrator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for unix systems administrators include Certified UNIX System Administrator (CUSA) and Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA).

More About Certifications

Research unix systems administrator duties and responsibilities

Manage LUN assignments from Shark/Hitachi SAN through the fiber switches.
Manage system kernel settings to boost performance base on root cause analysis for performance issues.
Manage and maintain local area network (TCP/IP), consisting of 2 NCR 3430 servers and 130+ client workstations.
Help automate server and storage provisioning.

Prepare your unix systems administrator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your unix systems administrator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a unix systems administrator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable unix systems administrator resume templates

Build a professional unix systems administrator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your unix systems administrator resume.