As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Linux Kernel Engineer in the United States is $81,615 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Linux Kernel Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Linux Kernel Engineer'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 Engineer'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 |
|---|---|
| Linux Ker... Level Linux Kernel Engineer | $81,148 |
| DevOps En... Level Linux Kernel Engineer | $98,537 |
| DevOps En... Level Linux Kernel Engineer | $131,973 |
| DevOps En... Level Linux Kernel Engineer | $147,613 |
| DevOps En... Level Linux Kernel Engineer | $163,109 |
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 Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Networking | 2.31% |
| Linux | 3.23% |
| Computer Science | 2.04% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$90,592 |
11%
|
|
Consulting
|
$88,144 |
8%
|
|
Amazon Web Services
|
$87,328 |
7%
|
|
Collaborating
|
$85,696 |
5%
|
|
Project Management
|
$85,696 |
5%
|
|
Azure
|
$84,879 |
4%
|
Understanding how a Linux Kernel Engineer'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 March 01, 2026Salaries for a Linux Kernel Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $81,360 in 2023 to around $81,370 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Linux Kernel Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $81,360 |
| 2024 | $81,994 |
| 2025 | $81,370 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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