How Much Does a Linux Kernel Engineer make?

Linux Kernel Engineer made a median salary around $84,896 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $98,119 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $73,945. 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.
Check out Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Maryland

Linux Engineer with Security Clearance

OPS Consulting, LLC - Laurel, MD

Linux Engineer with Security Clearance

EverWatch - Annapolis Junction, MD

Linux Engineer 2 with Security Clearance

CyberCore Technologies - Annapolis Junction, MD

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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 Bethesda , Bladensburg , Brentwood , Cabin John , Capitol Heights .
Bethesda, MD $91,162
Bladensburg, MD $91,162
Brentwood, MD $91,162
Cabin John, MD $91,162
Capitol Heights, MD $91,162

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 Maryland?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Linux Kernel Engineer in Maryland earned an average annual salary of $73,945 , while the highest-paid made $98,119.
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 $84,896 in 2025. Other jobs related to Linux Kernel Engineer earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Senior Linux Kernel Engineer made $111,182 , Linux Kernel Developer made $92,432 , Linux Engineer and Senior Linux Engineer made $133,423 and $111,182 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Linux Kernel Engineer

Senior Linux Kernel Engineer - Average Salary $111,182
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 $92,432
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 $133,423
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 $111,182
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 $86,767
There is currently no job description for Embedded Linux Engineer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Embedded Linux Engineer.