How Much Does a Linux Kernel Engineer make?

Linux Kernel Engineer made a median salary around $73,196 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $84,597 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $63,755. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Best-Paying Cities for Linux Kernel Engineer

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Linux Kernel Engineer profession are Centreville , Chatawa , Crosby , Fernwood , Gloster .
Centreville, MS $77,543
Chatawa, MS $77,543
Crosby, MS $77,543
Fernwood, MS $77,543
Gloster, MS $77,543

Best-Paying States for Linux Kernel Engineer

The states and districts that pay Linux Kernel Engineer the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $91,162) , California (around $90,816) , Massachusetts (around $89,605) , Washington (around $89,276) , and New Jersey (around $89,243) .
District of Columbia $91,162
California $90,816
Massachusetts $89,605
Washington $89,276
New Jersey $89,243

What is the Career Path of Linux Kernel Engineer?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Linux Kernel Engineer, the upper level is DevOps Engineer II , and then progresses to DevOps Engineer III
Besides, Linux Kernel Engineer can also turn to other related jobs, including Senior Linux Kernel Engineer , Linux Kernel Developer , Linux Engineer and Senior Linux Engineer .

Frequently Asked Questions for Linux Kernel Engineer

Q: What is the salary range of Linux Kernel Engineer in Greenville, MS?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Linux Kernel Engineer in Greenville, MS earned an average annual salary of $63,755 , while the highest-paid made $84,597.
Q: What is the salary for a Linux Kernel Engineer in California?
A: Linux Kernel Engineer employed in California earned an average salary of $90,816 in 2025.

Average Linux Kernel Engineer Pay vs. Other Jobs

Linux Kernel Engineer earned an average salary of $73,196 in 2025. Other jobs related to Linux Kernel Engineer earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Senior Linux Kernel Engineer made $95,860 , Linux Kernel Developer made $79,693 , Linux Engineer and Senior Linux Engineer made $115,035 and $95,860 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Linux Kernel Engineer

Senior Linux Kernel Engineer - Average Salary $95,860
There is currently no job description for Senior Linux Kernel Engineer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Senior Linux Kernel Engineer.
Linux Kernel Developer - Average Salary $79,693
There is currently no job description for Linux Kernel Developer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Linux Kernel Developer.
Linux Engineer - Average Salary $115,035
There is currently no job description for Linux Engineer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Linux Engineer.
Senior Linux Engineer - Average Salary $95,860
There is currently no job description for Senior Linux Engineer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Senior Linux Engineer.
Embedded Linux Engineer - Average Salary $74,809
There is currently no job description for Embedded Linux Engineer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Embedded Linux Engineer.