As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Linux Engineer in the United States is $137,395 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a Linux Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Linux Engineer'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 Engineer'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 |
|---|---|
| DevOps En... Level Linux Engineer | $84,098 |
| DevOps En... Level Linux Engineer | $102,067 |
| Linux Eng... Level Linux Engineer | $136,809 |
| DevOps En... Level Linux Engineer | $153,031 |
| DevOps En... Level Linux Engineer | $169,082 |
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 Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Networking | 2.41% |
| Linux | 3.31% |
| Computer Science | 1.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Collaborating with Others
|
$141,517 |
3%
|
|
Amazon Web Services
|
$141,517 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$141,517 |
3%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$140,143 |
2%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$140,143 |
2%
|
|
Coaching
|
$138,769 |
1%
|
For Linux Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Linux Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Linux Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $206,092 | $99.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Linux Engineer'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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Linux Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $126,925 in 2023 to around $125,371 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Linux Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $126,925 |
| 2024 | $126,824 |
| 2025 | $125,371 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Linux Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Linux Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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