What Is a Linux System Administrator and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A Linux system administrator— or sysadmin—is an information technology professional who oversees the lifespan of Linux software installed on a server, computer, or other pieces of hardware, including network devices. As a Linux sysadmin, your responsibilities include software installation, day-to-day maintenance of applications, and an overall understanding of Linux operating systems. As part of the daily maintenance team, your job is to monitor system health and ensure that security patches are up-to-date, so that network systems perform well for business users.

To become a Linux system administrator, you should have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Though some jobs require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, many system administrator jobs only require an associate’s degree, significant work experience, or a Linux certification. In a training program, you study the basics of system administration, security, and hardware to gain the skills and qualifications you need to perform your duties in this career successfully. To become a certified Linux system administrator, you must take preparation courses and complete the requirements outlined by Red Hat, or another reputable certification agency.