Unix systems administrator vs linux systems administrator

The differences between unix systems administrators and linux 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 unix systems administrator and a linux systems administrator. Additionally, a unix systems administrator has an average salary of $87,936, which is higher than the $83,032 average annual salary of a linux systems administrator.

The top three skills for a unix systems administrator include production servers, solaris and database. The most important skills for a linux systems administrator are python, windows, and red hat.

Unix systems administrator vs linux systems administrator overview

	Unix Systems Administrator	Linux Systems Administrator
Yearly salary	$87,936	$83,032
Hourly rate	$42.28	$39.92
Growth rate	5%	5%
Number of jobs	110,185	109,091
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a unix systems administrator do?

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.

What does a linux systems administrator do?

A Linux systems administrator is primarily in charge of managing and overseeing Linux operating systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around installing and conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting, performing repairs, and monitoring systems performance to ensure optimal operations. They must also develop back-up and security systems as preventive measures should there be any issues or emergencies. Furthermore, as an administrator, it is essential to manage and encourage team members to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Unix systems administrator vs linux systems administrator salary

Unix systems administrators and linux systems administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Unix Systems Administrator	Linux Systems Administrator
Average salary	$87,936	$83,032
Salary range	Between $64,000 And $119,000	Between $64,000 And $107,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	PayPal	Apple
Best paying industry	Finance	Finance

Differences between unix systems administrator and linux systems administrator education

There are a few differences between a unix systems administrator and a linux systems administrator in terms of educational background:

	Unix Systems Administrator	Linux Systems Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Unix systems administrator vs linux systems administrator demographics

Here are the differences between unix systems administrators' and linux systems administrators' demographics:

	Unix Systems Administrator	Linux Systems Administrator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8%	Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7%
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, 14.0% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between unix systems administrator and linux systems administrator duties and responsibilities

Unix systems administrator example 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.
Manage resources for zones using Solaris 10container technology.
Manage AWS services and provide redundancy for internal corporate systems.

Linux systems administrator example responsibilities.

Create and manage FTP web interface to manage and send files to customer FTP site using PHP.
Manage F5, JVM & JBOSS, JBOSS EWS.
Configure and manage NetApp storage array.
Manage NetApp storage devices and user administration.
Manage systems volume using SVM, LVM, NAS, VERITAS volume manager.
Manage Blackduck servers - configure on 8 quad cpu and 32gB memory and 16TB storage.

Unix systems administrator vs linux systems administrator skills

Common unix systems administrator skills

Production Servers, 8%
Solaris, 5%
Database, 4%
SAN, 4%
System Administration, 4%
Troubleshoot, 4%

Common linux systems administrator skills

Python, 7%
Windows, 7%
Red Hat, 5%
Troubleshoot, 4%
OS, 4%
System Administration, 4%

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Unix Systems Administrator
Unix Systems Administrator vs Linux Systems Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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