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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Linux Systems Administrator in Kentucky is $88,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
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 | $92,410 | $7,701 | $1,777 | $44 |
| Average | $88,300 | $7,358 | $1,698 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,300 | $6,608 | $1,525 | $38 |
Dynamic Catholic - Erlanger, KY
KET-Kentucky Educational Television - Lexington, KY
IP Corporation - Latonia, KY
Kaiser Permanente - COUNTRY PARK ACRES, NC
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 | $85,346 |
| Intermediate Level Linux Systems Administrator | $85,615 |
| Senior Level Linux Systems Administrator | $87,363 |
| Specialist Level Linux Systems Administrator | $89,834 |
| Expert Level Linux Systems Administrator | $90,447 |
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 $98,847. While startup companies pay approximate $83,622.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $83,622 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $88,440 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $95,454 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $98,847 |
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 | $114,790 | $55.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $114,790 | $55.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $114,790 | $55.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $114,790 | $55.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $114,790 | $55.0 | 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 | $92,410 | $7,701 | $1,777 | $44 |
| Average | $88,300 | $7,358 | $1,698 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,300 | $6,608 | $1,525 | $38 |
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 | $104,600 | 18% |
| UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III | $117,300 | 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.
Kaiser Permanente
COUNTRY PARK ACRES, NC
Kaiser Permanente | COUNTRY PARK ACRES, NC
Please note, this is a fully onsite position at our facility in Greensboro, NC. Technical Summary: The Senior Epic Systems Analyst III supports the Clinica... more
7 Days Ago
Kaiser Permanente
COUNTRY PARK ACRES, NC
Kaiser Permanente | COUNTRY PARK ACRES, NC
Please note, this is a fully onsite position at our facility in Greensboro, NC. Technical Summary: The System Administrator III, Health Systems (Epic MyCha... more
7 Days Ago
Kaiser Permanente
COUNTRY PARK ACRES, NC
Kaiser Permanente | COUNTRY PARK ACRES, NC
Please note, this position is designated as flexible and the selected candidate will be required to report to the assigned office in Greensboro, NC 3 days ... more
7 Days Ago
ManTech International
HARMANS, MD
ManTech International | HARMANS, MD
ManTech International seeks a Windows/Linux Systems Administrator to support mission-critical government programs. In this role, you will install, configur... more
8 Days Ago
ManTech International
LAUREL, MD
ManTech International | LAUREL, MD
Join ManTech and become a part of a team that collaborates to deliver innovative technologies and solutions essential for the U.S. intelligence community, ... more
8 Days Ago
ManTech International
LAUREL, MD
ManTech International | LAUREL, MD
ManTech International seeks a Linux System Administrator to support critical national security missions. In this role, you will install, configure, secure,... more
8 Days Ago
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