How Much Does a Linux Kernel Engineer make?

Linux Kernel Engineer made a median salary around $78,857 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $91,145 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $68,685. 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 Jackson , Teton Village , Wilson , Moose , Alta .
Jackson, WY $84,448
Teton Village, WY $84,448
Wilson, WY $84,448
Moose, WY $84,202
Alta, WY $83,297

Best-Paying States for Linux Kernel Engineer

The states and districts that pay Linux Kernel Engineer the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $91,520) , California (around $90,698) , New Jersey (around $90,122) , Alaska (around $89,547) , and Massachusetts (around $89,464) .
District of Columbia $91,520
California $90,698
New Jersey $90,122
Alaska $89,547
Massachusetts $89,464

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 Wyoming?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Linux Kernel Engineer in Wyoming earned an average annual salary of $68,685 , while the highest-paid made $91,145.
Q: What is the salary for a Linux Kernel Engineer in California?
A: Linux Kernel Engineer employed in California earned an average salary of $90,698 in 2025.

Average Linux Kernel Engineer Pay vs. Other Jobs

Linux Kernel Engineer earned an average salary of $78,857 in 2025. Other jobs related to Linux Kernel Engineer earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Senior Linux Kernel Engineer made $103,435 , Linux Kernel Developer made $85,787 , Linux Engineer and Senior Linux Engineer made $123,775 and $103,435 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Linux Kernel Engineer

Senior Linux Kernel Engineer - Average Salary $103,435
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 $85,787
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 $123,775
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 $103,435
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 $80,706
There is currently no job description for Embedded Linux Engineer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Embedded Linux Engineer.