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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Linux Systems Administrator in Texas is $91,530 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
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 | $95,780 | $7,982 | $1,842 | $46 |
| Average | $91,530 | $7,628 | $1,760 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,200 | $6,850 | $1,581 | $40 |
Govcio LLC - Lackland Air Force Base, TX
ManhattanLife Insurance & Annuity Company - Houston, TX
Nerds in a Flash - Austin, TX
Baylor Miraca Genetics Laboratories, LLC - Houston, TX
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 | $88,466 |
| Intermediate Level Linux Systems Administrator | $88,745 |
| Senior Level Linux Systems Administrator | $90,556 |
| Specialist Level Linux Systems Administrator | $93,118 |
| Expert Level Linux Systems Administrator | $93,753 |
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 $102,463. While startup companies pay approximate $86,681.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $86,681 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $91,675 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $98,946 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $102,463 |
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 | $118,989 | $57.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $118,989 | $57.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $118,989 | $57.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $118,989 | $57.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $118,989 | $57.0 | 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 | $95,780 | $7,982 | $1,842 | $46 |
| Average | $91,530 | $7,628 | $1,760 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,200 | $6,850 | $1,581 | $40 |
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 | $108,400 | 18% |
| UNIX Operating Systems Administrator III | $121,600 | 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.
Kuraray America
Houston, TX
Kuraray America | Houston, TX
Job Description. Job Description. Title: Systems Administrator. Location: Houston, TX. Who we are. Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies t... more
4 Days Ago
Blue Learning
Lewisville, TX
Blue Learning | Lewisville, TX
Job Description. Job Description. Description. The Systems Administrator works directly with the Director of Virtual Systems and other departmental personn... more
6 Days Ago
Phoenix Staff
Austin, TX
Phoenix Staff | Austin, TX
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Systems Administrator. Location. Austin, TX. Employment Type. Full-Time. Compensation. Starting at $90,000 -$1... more
7 Days Ago
The Copper River Family of Companies
Lubbock, TX
The Copper River Family of Companies | Lubbock, TX
Job Description. Job Description. TACG. is seeking an experienced. Systems Administrator. to support Logistics Mission Support Applications (LMSA) operatio... more
7 Days Ago
The Reserves Network Inc
Carrollton, TX
The Reserves Network Inc | Carrollton, TX
Job Description. Job Description. Systems Administrator V | $120,000 - $128,000 per year | Direct Hire | Carrollton, TX. What Matters Most. Competitive Pay... more
3 Days Ago
Makios Technology
El Paso, TX
Makios Technology | El Paso, TX
Job Description. Job Description. What This Role Is All About. Overview & Expectations. Makios is a fast-moving Managed Services and Cybersecurity company.... more
6 Days Ago
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