Unix Administrators: How to Become One
If you were to ask a group of unix administrators about how they arrived at their current job, there's a good chance you would get several different answers about the paths and steps that each person took.
That said, there are still ways that you can develop a baseline understanding of the preparation that is necessary to become one.
The Best Adult Colleges and Careers Guide has gathered data to provide you with insight into the type of education that's commonly required for unix administrators to land a job. This page contains information, sourced from real job postings, that describes the experience levels and specific skills that employers of unix administrators expect candidates to have. In the end, this information will help you create an education or professional development plan that aligns with your career aspirations.
Keep reading to learn more about career steps for unix administrators.
What Education & Experience is Needed for Unix Administrators?
Do unix administrators need a degree? What kind of experience do unix administrators typically need? Thanks to data sourced from Lightcast™ from real job postings, we can get some clarity on those questions, as well as the level of education that is commonly required for unix administrators to secure jobs.
Education Level Required in Job Postings for Unix Administrators
Jobs Postings for Unix Administrators By Education
- Bachelor's degree: 50,570 (49%)
- No Education Listed: 33,690 (33%)
- High School or GED: 9,042 (9%)
- Master's degree: 8,170 (8%)
- Ph.D. or professional degree: 1,868 (2%)
A bachelor's degree is the level of education sought the most by employers of unix administrators. According to job data, a bachelor's degree was required for 49% of positions. In 33% of job listings no education level was listed and in 9% of postings a High School diploma or GED was required.
Experience Level Required in Job Postings for Unix Administrators
Jobs Postings for Unix Administrators By Experience
- 0-1 Years: 4,618 (7%)
- 2-3 Years: 18,088 (29%)
- 4-6 Years: 24,377 (39%)
- 7-9 Years: 9,035 (15%)
- 10+ Years: 6,007 (10%)
While the amount of required experience will vary based on the responsibility and seniority of the position, an aggregate view of job posting data can help paint a picture of the experience level sought for most job openings for unix administrators. In 39% of job postings for Unix Administrators, employers were looking for candidates with 4-6 years of experience. In 29% of listings employers were looking for candidates with 2-3 years of experience, while 7-9 years of experience was sought in 15% of job postings for unix administrators.
What Kind of Degree Do Unix Administrators Need?
So far this page has provided detail into the level of education and the amount of experience required in job openings for unix administrators, but what type of education or degree will help prepare you for a career in the field?
According to occupational data obtained through Lightcast,™ there are 17 key academic programs that can help prepare prospective unix administrators, and in 2023 a total of 245,742 of those programs were completed at institutions in the United States.
Check out the information below to learn more about the specific programs that should be considered by prospective unix administrators.
Top Degree Programs for Unix Administrators
Top 5 Degree Programs for Unix Administrators (2023)
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Computer Science. | 72,432 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | 62,365 |
| Information Technology. | 35,591 |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | 29,839 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | 12,850 |
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Computer Science. | 72,432 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | 62,365 |
| Information Technology. | 35,591 |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | 29,839 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | 12,850 |
| Management Information Systems, General. | 10,110 |
| Network and System Administration/Administrator. | 4,668 |
| Systems Engineering. | 4,148 |
| Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other. | 3,190 |
| Information Technology Project Management. | 2,608 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other. | 2,301 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | 2,000 |
| System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager. | 1,818 |
| Systems Science and Theory. | 1,080 |
| Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification. | 352 |
| Management Information Systems and Services, Other. | 318 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other. | 72 |
Top Online College For Working Adults
Franklin University is a top choice for adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Degree Options for Unix Administrators
Learn to translate business requirements into robust yet functional software applications and database designs to help businesses not only run but thrive, and jump start your career as a user support specialist, computer system analyst, or software developer.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Excel in the rapidly growing healthcare industry with comprehensive training in healthcare management, informatics and systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Design, implement and manage cloud solutions with Franklin’s online, transfer-friendly B.S. Cloud Computing.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Go beyond basic programming and develop the technical skills necessary to apply, design, and implement software systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop your ability to lead, communicate and make strategic decisions that impact projects and processes with a B.S. Information Systems-Business Analysis & Project Management Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop the advanced technical skills needed to turn complex programming specifications into well-designed computer programs.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Deliver high-quality software that helps companies and organizations maintain data security and integrity with Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 20
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Learn to create scalable software systems that Improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency by earning Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Software Systems. The hands-on, theory-to-practice program will prepare you to be an asset in a variety of industries
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Cybersecurity 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Data Analytics 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Healthcare 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Leadership 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Management 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Learning Technology 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Build your business knowledge while you gain practical understanding of database management, information security and IT-project management with Franklin’s online accredited MBA with a Specialization in Information Technology.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Months To Complete: 12
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
What Skills Do Unix Administrators Need?
Education and experience have been covered, so what are the specific skills and traits needed by unix administrators to secure a job?
A good way to understand this is to examine actual job postings for skills commonly sought by employers. Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for unix administrators, as well as common skills that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Unix Administrators
Based on 92,738 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Unix Administrators
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 29,292 | 32% |
| Linux | 28,682 | 31% |
| System Administration | 23,750 | 26% |
| Computer Science | 23,506 | 25% |
| Active Directory | 21,487 | 23% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Unix Administrators
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 48,025 | 52% |
| Management | 35,234 | 38% |
| Communication | 34,528 | 37% |
| Operations | 28,053 | 30% |
| Problem Solving | 23,033 | 25% |
Based on 92,738 job postings related to unix administrators, operating systems was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 32% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for linux, system administration, computer science, active directory and scripting were also highly sought.
As for common skills, troubleshooting (problem solving) was the most desired skill found in job postings for unix administrators, followed by management, communication, operations, problem solving and information technology.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 29,292 | 32% |
| Linux | 28,682 | 31% |
| System Administration | 23,750 | 26% |
| Computer Science | 23,506 | 25% |
| Active Directory | 21,487 | 23% |
| Scripting | 19,017 | 21% |
| Windows Servers | 17,236 | 19% |
| Automation | 16,487 | 18% |
| Firewall | 13,815 | 15% |
| Network Administration | 12,879 | 14% |
| Windows PowerShell | 12,145 | 13% |
| Microsoft Azure | 11,980 | 13% |
| Technical Support | 11,710 | 13% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 11,596 | 13% |
| Backup Devices | 11,587 | 12% |
| Network Routing | 11,223 | 12% |
| Unix | 10,390 | 11% |
| Network Switches | 10,260 | 11% |
| SQL (Programming Language) | 9,785 | 11% |
| Local Area Networks | 9,737 | 10% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 48,025 | 52% |
| Management | 35,234 | 38% |
| Communication | 34,528 | 37% |
| Operations | 28,053 | 30% |
| Problem Solving | 23,033 | 25% |
| Information Technology | 19,378 | 21% |
| Customer Service | 16,874 | 18% |
| Planning | 14,875 | 16% |
| Writing | 11,268 | 12% |
| Research | 10,102 | 11% |
| Detail Oriented | 9,736 | 10% |
| Leadership | 8,974 | 10% |
| Self-Motivation | 8,499 | 9% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 8,169 | 9% |
| Microsoft Office | 7,965 | 9% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 7,425 | 8% |
| Coordinating | 7,176 | 8% |
| Microsoft Windows | 6,046 | 7% |
| Prioritization | 5,738 | 6% |
| Time Management | 5,538 | 6% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information about unix administrators? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for unix administrators.
What do unix administrators do?
How much do unix administrators make?
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