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The differences between unix systems 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 unix systems administrator and a linux administrator. Additionally, a unix systems administrator has an average salary of $87,936, which is higher than the $79,996 average annual salary of a linux administrator.
The top three skills for a unix systems administrator include production servers, solaris and database. The most important skills for a linux administrator are python, windows, and linux servers.
| Unix Systems Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $87,936 | $79,996 |
| Hourly rate | $42.28 | $38.46 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 110,185 | 56,604 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
UNIX system administrators install, configure, and maintain the UNIX systems of organizations. The administrators are in charge of the troubleshooting of server errors. They install new system hardware for their respective organizations and respond to the issues raised by the users. It is part of their job to monitor the network's performance. Usually, they are working in an office using UNIX multiuser operating system. They supervise the execution of data conversion projects such as database hardware replacements.
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.
Unix systems administrators and linux administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Unix Systems Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average salary | $87,936 | $79,996 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $119,000 | Between $62,000 And $101,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | PayPal | Medline |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a unix systems administrator and a linux administrator in terms of educational background:
| Unix Systems Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between unix systems administrators' and linux administrators' demographics:
| Unix Systems Administrator | Linux Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8% | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.8% White, 61.4% 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% |