As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Linux Kernel Developer in the United States is $83,086 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Linux Kernel Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Linux Kernel Developer'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 Kernel Developer'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 Kernel Developer | $82,358 |
| Intermediate Level Linux Kernel Developer | $82,600 |
| Senior Level Linux Kernel Developer | $83,086 |
| Specialist Level Linux Kernel Developer | $83,815 |
| Expert Level Linux Kernel Developer | $85,394 |
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 Kernel Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 19.03% |
| Commercial Loans | 2.22% |
| Loan Review | 1.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$97,211 |
17%
|
|
Financial Services
|
$97,211 |
17%
|
|
Accounting
|
$92,225 |
11%
|
|
Credit Risk
|
$92,225 |
11%
|
|
Word Processing
|
$91,395 |
10%
|
|
Business Administration
|
$91,395 |
10%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Linux Kernel Developers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Kernel Developer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $86,023 and $92,935).
Linux Kernel Developer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 16.7% |
| High School | 16.7% |
| Associates | 10.0% |
| Bachelors | 46.7% |
| Masters | 23.3% |
| Doctorate | 3.3% |
Understanding how a Linux Kernel Developer'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, 2026Salaries for a Linux Kernel Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $89,547 in 2023 to around $87,413 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Linux Kernel Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $89,547 |
| 2024 | $88,872 |
| 2025 | $87,413 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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