As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Linux Administrator in the United States is $93,840 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, a Linux Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Linux 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Linux 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 Administrator | $90,888 |
| Intermediate Level Linux Administrator | $91,156 |
| Senior Level Linux Administrator | $92,901 |
| Specialist Level Linux Administrator | $95,415 |
| Expert Level Linux Administrator | $96,044 |
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 Administrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 7.93% |
| Computer Science | 2.95% |
| Cisco | 1.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Cisco
|
$96,655 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$96,655 |
3%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$96,655 |
3%
|
|
AWS
|
$95,717 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$95,717 |
2%
|
|
Insight
|
$95,717 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Linux Administrators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Linux Administrator with a No Diploma is between $92,512 and $105,047).
Linux Administrator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.2% |
| High School | 17.0% |
| Associates | 17.0% |
| Bachelors | 56.4% |
| Masters | 6.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Linux 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.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Linux 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Administrator III | $111,097 | 18% |
| UNIX Systems Administrator III | $124,500 | 33% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Linux Administrator and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Linux Administrator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Linux Administrator's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Linux Administrator earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Linux Administrator is $118,360.
The highest pay for Linux Administrator is $101,902.
The lowest pay for Linux Administrator is $76,665.
Installs, configures, and maintains Linux operating systems. Analyzes and resolves problems associated with the operating system's servers, hardware, applications, and software. Monitors systems performance and ensures compliance with security standards. May Require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a project leader or manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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