How Much Does a Linux Kernel Engineer make?

Linux Kernel Engineer made a median salary around $80,565 in January, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $93,117 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $70,174. 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 Matamoras , Newtown , Fairless Hills , Langhorne , Washington Crossing .
Matamoras, PA $92,670
Newtown, PA $88,826
Fairless Hills, PA $88,826
Langhorne, PA $88,826
Washington Crossing, PA $88,826

Best-Paying States for Linux Kernel Engineer

The states and districts that pay Linux Kernel Engineer the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $91,034) , California (around $90,216) , New Jersey (around $89,644) , Alaska (around $89,071) , and Massachusetts (around $88,989) .
District of Columbia $91,034
California $90,216
New Jersey $89,644
Alaska $89,071
Massachusetts $88,989

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 Embedded Linux Engineer .

Frequently Asked Questions for Linux Kernel Engineer

Q: What is the salary range of Linux Kernel Engineer in Pittsburgh, PA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Linux Kernel Engineer in Pittsburgh, PA earned an average annual salary of $70,174 , while the highest-paid made $93,117.
Q: What is the salary for a Linux Kernel Engineer in California?
A: Linux Kernel Engineer employed in California earned an average salary of $90,216 in 2025.

Average Linux Kernel Engineer Pay vs. Other Jobs

Linux Kernel Engineer earned an average salary of $80,565 in 2025. Other jobs related to Linux Kernel Engineer earned the following average salary in January, 2025. Senior Linux Kernel Engineer made $105,777 , Linux Kernel Developer made $87,667 , Linux Engineer and Embedded Linux Engineer made $126,456 and $82,454 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Linux Kernel Engineer

Senior Linux Kernel Engineer - Average Salary $105,777
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 $87,667
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 $126,456
There is currently no job description for Linux Engineer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Linux Engineer.
Embedded Linux Engineer - Average Salary $82,454
There is currently no job description for Embedded Linux Engineer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Embedded Linux Engineer.
Linux Systems Engineer - Average Salary $115,266
There is currently no job description for Linux Systems Engineer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Linux Systems Engineer.