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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Linux Developer in California is $103,647 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Linux Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Linux Developer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $108,642 | $9,053 | $2,089 | $52 |
| Average | $103,647 | $8,637 | $1,993 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,198 | $7,683 | $1,773 | $44 |
iTechStack Inc - Burlingame, CA
E-Space - Saratoga, CA
NIO USA, INC - San Jose, CA
ManTech International - HARMANS, MD
A Linux Developer'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 Developer'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Linux Developer | $100,944 |
| Intermediate Level Linux Developer | $101,262 |
| Senior Level Linux Developer | $103,329 |
| Specialist Level Linux Developer | $106,252 |
| Expert Level Linux Developer | $106,976 |
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 Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Linux Developer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Linux Developer positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Linux Developer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $134,741 | $65.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $134,741 | $65.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $134,741 | $65.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $134,741 | $65.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $134,741 | $65.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Linux Developer'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $108,642 | $9,053 | $2,089 | $52 |
| Average | $103,647 | $8,637 | $1,993 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,198 | $7,683 | $1,773 | $44 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Linux Developer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
ManTech International
LAUREL, MD
ManTech International | LAUREL, MD
Join ManTech and become a part of a team that collaborates to deliver innovative technologies and solutions essential for the U.S. intelligence community, ... more
7 Days Ago
ManTech International
LAUREL, MD
ManTech International | LAUREL, MD
ManTech International seeks a Linux System Administrator to support critical national security missions. In this role, you will install, configure, secure,... more
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ManTech International
FORT GEORGE G MEADE, MD
ManTech International | FORT GEORGE G MEADE, MD
ManTech International seeks a Linux System Administrator to support critical national security missions. In this role, you will install, configure, secure,... more
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ManTech International
HARMANS, MD
ManTech International | HARMANS, MD
ManTech International seeks a Windows/Linux Systems Administrator to support mission-critical government programs. In this role, you will install, configur... more
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ManTech International
TRIANGLE, VA
ManTech International | TRIANGLE, VA
ManTech International seeks a Linux Server Administrator to support mission-critical systems for U.S. defense, intelligence, and federal agencies. You will... more
8 Days Ago
ManTech International
SAVAGE, MD
ManTech International | SAVAGE, MD
ManTech International seeks a Junior Developer to join our Information Technology & Digital Solutions team supporting critical U.S. federal and national se... more
7 Days Ago
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