[ale] pay rates vs. experience

Fri Apr 27 08:57:11 EDT 2012

Experience still trumps certifications but certifications are definitely a plus.  I see more and more Linux jobs listings requesting certifications.   I suspect a lot of this is due to some crossover to Linux from Windows where many Admins are certified so it is seen as more of a requirement so places that are really Windows shops going into Linux will see it as more important.

-----Original Message-----
From: ale-bounces at ale.org [mailto:ale-bounces at ale.org] On Behalf Of Matthew
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2012 8:43 AM
To: Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts
Subject: Re: [ale] pay rates vs. experience

Hello. Haven't been on the list for a while. I currently work as a
systems engineer at crane nsa, in IN. I do not make much atm, BUT, I
have an awesome health package. And they pay for my certs and
training. Also get a security clearance out of it. Currently 8570,
(linux+ and sec+),but planning to get my rhce, and either ceh or
cissp. Are these certs still good any more?

Regards
SimonTek

On 4/27/12, Katherine Villyard <villyard at gmail.com> wrote:
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> I recently saw a Windows admin position that wanted Active Directory,
> Group Policy, WSUS, SQL Server, etc., that was offering $37-40K.
> (Admittedly, it was an academic institution, but those are usually
> offering $45-75K for similar skills.)
>
> I'm thinking that the only takers they're going to get are:
>
> 1. Recent college grads.
> 2. Retirees.
>
> I'd say desktop techs who want to move into system administration, but
> that would be a pay cut for a lot of them.
>
> I've similarly seen linux jobs (also academic) that top out at
> $50-55K.  In fact, I interviewed for one of those because I thought it
> might get me where I want to go, if you know what I mean.  (If you
> don't, it would have gotten me solid experience with skills that would
> serve me well in a future job hunt.)
>
> Money's not everything, but let's not pretend we don't like groceries.  ;)
>
>
> - --
> Katherine
>
> "Time wounds all heels."
> - --Dorothy Parker
>
>
> On 4/27/2012 8:04 AM, Lightner, Jeff wrote:
>> On the most recent posting on the Ale jobs list I had to laugh when
>> I saw a pay range of 65k-75k for everything THAT job entailed such
>> as SAN administration, managing 5000 domains in BIND just to name a
>> couple. Even funnier was that it was 6 months CTP - Really?  They
>> can't figure out whether someone is worthwhile in 3 months?   True
>> you don't really get fully up to speed in a new complex environment
>> in less than 6 months but it should be obvious long before that
>> whether you are CAPABLE of getting up to speed or not.
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>  *From:*ale-bounces at ale.org [mailto:ale-bounces at ale.org] *On Behalf
>> Of *Jim Kinney *Sent:* Thursday, April 26, 2012 10:44 PM *To:*
>> Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts - Yes! We run Linux! *Subject:* [ale] pay
>> rates vs. experience
>>
>>
>>
>> One of the things I see as the admin for the list is the postings
>> for the ale-jobs list before everyone else. I've never rejected a
>> posting for having a crappy pay rate and never will.
>>
>> BUT....
>>
>> Given the state of things, economy, growth in demand for Linux
>> skills, number of qualified admins in the field, etc., maybe it's
>> time for a knock-down, drag out discussion on pay vs. experience.
>>
>> The last time I saw a usix pay chart was probably 2005. At that
>> time a RedHat EL admin wiiht a solid 5 years experience on the job
>> was worth an average $80k/yr with decent benefitsw (company health
>> insurance, retirement fund other than stock options, dental, etc).
>>
>> Windows admins with 5 years were around $65k.
>>
>> Solaris with 5 years got $90k. IRIX admins were looking for a new
>> OS to use.
>>
>> Oracle DBA with 5 years could grab $95k anywhere.
>>
>> Any professional certification added 5-10k to the above. Thos
>> numbers were nation-wide averages so no are specific cost of living
>> differentials.
>>
>> Atlanta is cheaper than LA or New York and has a large and growing
>> IT presence and a similar demand for Linux skills.
>>
>> Lately, I've seen startups pay more but the risk is higher. Lower
>> risk jobs pay less but the check always clears the bank. I recently
>> took a lower pay job than I'm accustomed to just for the lower risk
>> of short-term with a large corp. I have "stuff to do" that
>> scratches some of my geek itches but leaves many untouched.
>>
>> Is the current economy eating admin pay grades? I didn't take my
>> current position because i wanted the main job function. I took for
>> purely "gotta eat and pay bills" reasons (sell out but not starving
>> does cause me some sleepless nights - then I go get something to
>> eat and forget about it).
>>
>> -- -- James P. Kinney III
>>
>> As long as the general population is passive, apathetic, diverted
>> to consumerism or hatred of the vulnerable, then the powerful can
>> do as they please, and those who survive will be left to
>> contemplate the outcome. - /2011 Noam Chomsky
>>
>> http://heretothereideas.blogspot.com//
>>
>
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--
Sent from my mobile device

SimonTek
912-398-6704

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