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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Linux Kernel Developer in Illinois is $84,362 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
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 | $87,412 | $7,284 | $1,681 | $42 |
| Average | $84,362 | $7,030 | $1,622 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,239 | $6,603 | $1,524 | $38 |
LaBine and Associates - Naperville, IL
ManTech International - HARMANS, MD
ManTech International - LAUREL, MD
ManTech International - LAUREL, MD
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 |
|---|---|
| Loan Unde... Level Linux Kernel Developer | $59,399 |
| Loan Unde... Level Linux Kernel Developer | $69,356 |
| Linux Ker... Level Linux Kernel Developer | $85,429 |
| Loan Unde... Level Linux Kernel Developer | $103,735 |
| Loan Unde... Level Linux Kernel Developer | $95,459 |
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:
For Linux Kernel Developer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Financial Services, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Linux Kernel Developer positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Linux Kernel Developer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $92,798 | $45.0 | 10% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $88,580 | $43.0 | 5% |
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 | $87,412 | $7,284 | $1,681 | $42 |
| Average | $84,362 | $7,030 | $1,622 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,239 | $6,603 | $1,524 | $38 |
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.
ManTech International
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