As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Linux Programmer in the United States is $72,985 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Linux Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Linux Programmer'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 Programmer'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 Programmer | $71,818 |
| Intermediate Level Linux Programmer | $72,151 |
| Senior Level Linux Programmer | $73,484 |
| Specialist Level Linux Programmer | $77,301 |
| Expert Level Linux Programmer | $80,480 |
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 Programmers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 12.5% |
| Academic Advising | 2.08% |
| Computer Science | 2.08% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Teamwork
|
$78,823 |
8%
|
|
Alignment
|
$78,094 |
7%
|
|
Initiative
|
$74,444 |
2%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$72,985 |
0%
|
|
Commitment
|
$72,985 |
0%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Linux Programmers 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 Programmer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $66,719 and $78,659).
Linux Programmer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.4% |
| High School | 96.6% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 3.4% |
| Doctorate | 96.6% |
Understanding how a Linux Programmer'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 Programmer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,637 in 2023 to around $52,775 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Linux Programmer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $54,637 |
| 2024 | $53,939 |
| 2025 | $52,775 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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