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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Linux Systems Administrator in Colorado is $95,740 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Linux Systems Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Linux Systems Administrator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $100,190 | $8,349 | $1,927 | $48 |
| Average | $95,740 | $7,978 | $1,841 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,980 | $7,165 | $1,653 | $41 |
CesiumAstro - Westminster, CO
DPG Solutions LLC - Aurora, CO
SciTec - Aurora, CO
Focused HR Solutions - Denver, CO
A Linux Systems Administrator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Linux Systems Administrator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Linux Systems Administrator | $92,539 |
| Intermediate Level Linux Systems Administrator | $92,830 |
| Senior Level Linux Systems Administrator | $94,725 |
| Specialist Level Linux Systems Administrator | $97,405 |
| Expert Level Linux Systems Administrator | $98,069 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Linux Systems Administrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Linux Systems Administrator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $107,175. While startup companies pay approximate $90,668.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $90,668 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $95,892 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $103,497 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $107,175 |
For Linux Systems Administrator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Linux Systems Administrator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Linux Systems Administrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $124,462 | $60.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $124,462 | $60.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $124,462 | $60.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $124,462 | $60.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $124,462 | $60.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Linux Systems Administrator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $100,190 | $8,349 | $1,927 | $48 |
| Average | $95,740 | $7,978 | $1,841 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,980 | $7,165 | $1,653 | $41 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Linux Systems Administrator, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Systems Administrator III | $113,400 | 18% |
| UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III | $127,200 | 33% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Linux Systems Administrator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
SciTec
Boulder, CO
SciTec | Boulder, CO
Job Description. Job Description. SciTec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, is a dynamic non-traditional defense contractor that delivers adv... more
10 Days Ago
IERUS Technologies, Inc.
Colorado Springs, CO
IERUS Technologies, Inc. | Colorado Springs, CO
Job Description. Job Description. IERUS specializes in electromagnetic spectrum technologies and design for RF, IR, and optical applications. IERUS also su... more
7 Days Ago
GROWGENERATION CORP
Englewood, CO
GROWGENERATION CORP | Englewood, CO
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Posting to remain open through 08-31-2026. Overview: GrowGeneration is the nation’s largest specialty hydrop... more
7 Days Ago
Integrity Communications Solutions
Colorado Springs, CO
Integrity Communications Solutions | Colorado Springs, CO
Job Description. Job Description. SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR. Location. Colorado Springs, CO. Clearance. Active Secret preferred. OVERVIEW. We are seeking a Sys... more
8 Days Ago
Yampa Valley Electric Association
Steamboat Springs, CO
Yampa Valley Electric Association | Steamboat Springs, CO
Job Description. Job Description. About the roleYVEA is seeking a collaborative, technically capable Systems Administrator to join our team. In this role, ... more
10 Days Ago
TekSynap
Aurora, CO
TekSynap | Aurora, CO
Job Description. Job Description. Overview. We are seeking a Systems Administrator to join our Task Order proposal on the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Sol... more
11 Days Ago
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