As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Linux Kernel Developer in California is $91,644 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Linux Kernel Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Linux Kernel Developer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $95,863 | $7,989 | $1,844 | $46 |
| Average | $91,644 | $7,637 | $1,762 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,787 | $7,316 | $1,688 | $42 |
Cornelis Networks, Inc. - San Jose, CA
Ph7 - San Jose, CA
Canonical - Los Angeles, CA
Qualcomm - San Diego, CA
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 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 | $90,840 |
| Intermediate Level Linux Kernel Developer | $91,108 |
| Senior Level Linux Kernel Developer | $91,644 |
| Specialist Level Linux Kernel Developer | $92,447 |
| Expert Level Linux Kernel Developer | $94,190 |
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:
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:
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $95,863 | $7,989 | $1,844 | $46 |
| Average | $91,644 | $7,637 | $1,762 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,787 | $7,316 | $1,688 | $42 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Linux Kernel Developer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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