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.
Unix systems administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real unix systems administrator resumes:
- 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.
- Work on load balancers for both windows and Linux environments.
- Design and develop high performance computing integration tools facilitating convenient access via web services using Perl, Java, and PHP.
- Maintain user accounts, DNS configurations, perform regular system administrator tasks.
- Manage execution of multiple data conversion projects including database hardware replacements, SAN solutions for temporary and permanent storage of data.
- Support multiple DoD programs for USN & USAF including SPAWAR, SSC-PAC, STRATCOM.
- Brocade DCX fiber switches provisioning and configuration.
- Document existing ssh infrastructure throughout the DMZ.
- Provide production support to the existing PL/SQL programs.
- Perform disaster recovery drills during maintenance windows via VMA arrays or EVAs.
Unix systems administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Unix Systems Administrators are proficient in Production Servers, Solaris, and Database. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Unix Systems Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Production Servers, 8%
Perform testing of any mandatory patches/configuration changes in development on development servers before applying the patches/configurations to the actual production servers.
- Solaris, 5%
Authored an internationally distributed technical document that gave an overview of the differences between SunOS 4.1.x and SOLARIS 2.x.
- Database, 4%
Coordinated with network engineers to implement database administration and importing of GTE Directory SuperPages database and Oracle database at Sabre.
- SAN, 4%
Managed execution of multiple data conversion projects including database hardware replacements, SAN solutions for temporary and permanent storage of data.
- System Administration, 4%
Performed daily system administration, upgrades, performance management, and capacity planning for Digital Unix servers supporting enterprise ERP application.
- Troubleshoot, 4%
Collaborated with international technical teams to troubleshoot and resolve various issues including databases, applications and networks.
Most unix systems administrators use their skills in "production servers," "solaris," and "database" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential unix systems administrator responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a unix systems administrator to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Unix systems administrators often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "managed and maintained servers for java, apache, php and mysql data base programs. "
Communication skills. Many unix systems administrator duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a unix systems administrator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways unix systems administrator responsibilities rely on communication skills: "utilized network communication tools - putty, telnet, ssh, scp, ftp, ping and traceroute. "
Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of unix systems administrators is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday unix systems administrator duties, as "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "provided monitoring solutions using various scripting/programming languages including sed/awk, perl/perl dbi, c, c++, java. "
The three companies that hire the most unix systems administrators are:
- Leidos6 unix systems administrators jobs
- Elevance Health
2 unix systems administrators jobs
- Akamai Technologies1 unix systems administrators jobs
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Compare different unix systems administrators
Unix systems administrator vs. Systems engineer
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between unix systems administrators and systems engineer. For instance, unix systems administrator responsibilities require skills such as "production servers," "unix systems," "veritas netbackup," and "web servers." Whereas a systems engineer is skilled in "python," "linux," "c++," and "c #." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Systems engineers tend to make the most money working in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $96,218. In contrast, unix systems administrators make the biggest average salary, $110,380, in the finance industry.The education levels that systems engineers earn slightly differ from unix systems administrators. In particular, systems engineers are 2.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a unix systems administrator. Additionally, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Unix systems administrator vs. Systems integration engineer
A systems integration engineer is responsible for evaluating the efficiency and performance of the control systems to support business operations and requirements. Systems integration engineers develop technical solutions from business initiatives that would maximize a team's productivity and increase target performance. They also handle the upgrades of network infrastructure and system configuration and resolve technical failures as soon as they arise. A systems integration engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in providing recommendations to improve the network's capability and prevent downtimes.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that unix systems administrator responsibilities requires skills like "production servers," "system administration," "unix systems," and "veritas netbackup." But a systems integration engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "python," "architecture," "system integration," and "c++."
On average, systems integration engineers earn a higher salary than unix systems administrators. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, systems integration engineers earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $105,674. Whereas unix systems administrators have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $110,380.systems integration engineers earn similar levels of education than unix systems administrators in general. They're 4.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Unix systems administrator vs. Information technology administrator
An Information Technology (IT) administrator is an individual responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of an organization's IT systems and ensuring that the systems are running effectively. IT administrators must conduct consistent analyses of the computer system and install updates when needed. They are required to assess the organization's security programs and run the system for viruses and spyware. IT administrators also extend support to the organization's end-users and train them on desktop applications.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from unix systems administrator resumes include skills like "production servers," "solaris," "unix systems," and "veritas netbackup," whereas an information technology administrator is more likely to list skills in "customer service," "linux," "vmware," and "windows server. "
Information technology administrators earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $93,678. Unix systems administrators earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $110,380.When it comes to education, information technology administrators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to unix systems administrators. In fact, they're 4.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Unix systems 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.
Types of unix systems administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
