How much does a Linux Systems Administrator make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Linux Systems Administrator in the United States is $92,740. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $84,940 to $102,710, with most professionals earning between $77,839 and $111,787.

Linux Systems Administrator Salaries by Percentile
Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $102,710 $8,559 $1,975 $49
Average $92,740 $7,728 $1,783 $45
25th Percentile $84,940 $7,078 $1,633 $41

Average Salary

25% $84,940 10% $77,839 90% $111,787 75% $102,710 $92,740 50%(Median)
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How much does a Linux Systems Administrator make by hour, week, month, and year?

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified Linux Systems Administrator salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. The average annual pay for a Linux Systems Administrator is about $92,740 a year, this translates to an approximate hourly rate of $45, a monthly salary of about $7,728, and a weekly pay of around $1,783 . Click the switch button below to see more details about Linux Systems Administrator hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay, and so on.

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How Does Experience Level Affect a Linux Systems Administrator's Salary?

An entry-level Linux Systems Administrator with less than 1 year of experience earns about $90,179. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $90,412. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $91,925. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $96,460, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $97,948.

Levels Salary
Entry Level Linux Systems Administrator $90,179
Intermediate Level Linux Systems Administrator $90,412
Senior Level Linux Systems Administrator $91,925
Specialist Level Linux Systems Administrator $96,460
Expert Level Linux Systems Administrator $97,948
$90,179 0 yr
$90,412 < 2 yrs
$91,925 2-4 yrs
$96,460 5-8 yrs
$97,948 > 8 yrs
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Entry Level 3%
Mid Level 3%
Senior Level 1%
Top Level 4%
Experienced 6%
View as graph
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How much does salary of Linux Systems Administrator vary from city to city?

Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.

For example, as of April 01, 2025:
  • In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for a Linux Systems Administrator is $115,820.
  • In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $107,470.
  • In Boston, MA, a Linux Systems Administrator earns $103,430 per year.

What is the salary trend of Linux Systems Administrator?

As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Linux Systems Administrator compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $81,516 in 2023 to approximately $81,310 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Linux Systems Administrator salary trends, click here.)

Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.

Average Annual Salary of Linux Systems Administrator Over Time

2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
$81,516
2023
$81,310
2024
$80,832
2025
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
2023
$81,516
2024
$81,310
2025
$80,832
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Linux Systems Administrator Salary by Year

Year Average Annual Salary
2020 View More
2021 View More
2022 View More
2023 $81,516
2024 $81,310
2025 $80,832
2026 View More
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Job Openings of Linux Systems Administrator

Salary.com job board provides millions of Linux Systems Administrator information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Linux Systems Administrator job openings or enter a new job title here.

Most Common Benefits for Linux Systems Administrator

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 71.1%
Bonuses 0.0%
Social Security 5.4%
401k/403b 3.0%
Disability 1.4%
Healthcare 6.4%
Pension 3.8%
Time Off 8.8%
Core Compensation
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Base Salary $92,740 71.1%
Bonus $0 0.0%
Value of Benefits
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Social Security $7,095 5.4%
401K/403B $3,895 3.0%
Disability $1,855 1.4%
Healthcare $8,352 6.4%
Pension $5,008 3.8%
Time Off $11,414 8.8%
Total Compensation $130,359 100%
Core Compensation is based on averages for this job and does not reflect personal factors used to determine your projected salary range.
Value of Benefits indicates the employer's expected contribution and paid time off.
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

What are the salaries of a Linux Systems Administrator with different levels of education?

Salaries for Linux Systems Administrator with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a Linux Systems Administrator with a No Diploma is $92,120 - $104,600. Please try our salary wizard to explore how other factors like location, Years of experience and number of direct reports can impact your base pay and bonus.

Linux Systems Administrator Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Typical Education for Linux Systems Administrator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.2%
High School 17.0%
Associates 17.0%
Bachelors 56.4%
Masters 6.4%
Typical Education for Linux Systems Administrator
No Diploma 3.2%
High School 17.0%
Associates 17.0%
Bachelors 56.4%
Masters 6.4%
view as table

Linux Systems Administrator Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

What Am I Worth?

FAQ about Linux Systems Administrator

1. How much does a Linux system admin make?

The estimated salary for a Linux Systems Administrator ranges from $84,710 to $119,980 annually, with a median salary of $106,380. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field.

2. What is the salary for Linux 1 year experience?

The salary for a Linux Systems Administrator with 1 year of experience typically ranges from ₹84,710 to ₹119,980. The mid-range salary is approximately ₹106,380, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field.

3. Do you need a degree to be a Linux System Administrator?

A college degree can be advantageous for a Linux System Administrator, providing a solid foundation in computer science and networking. However, it's not mandatory. The field values technical skills, certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or RHCE, and hands-on experience. Salaries range from $84,710 to $119,980, with a median of $106,380, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals.

4. Is Linux SysAdmin a good career?

Is Linux SysAdmin a good career? Yes, a career as a Linux System Administrator is excellent due to high demand for IT professionals skilled in managing Linux systems. It offers robust job security and competitive salaries, ranging from $84,710 to $119,980, along with opportunities for career advancement.

5. Is IT worth learning Linux in 2025?

Learning Linux in 2025 is definitely worth it. As an open-source operating system, Linux remains crucial for various tech roles, including network security, cloud infrastructure, and DevOps. With salaries for Linux Systems Administrators ranging from $84,710 to $119,980, mastering Linux can lead to lucrative career opportunities in the evolving tech landscape.

6. How much does a Linux Administrator make in the US?

The salary for a Linux Systems Administrator in the US ranges from $84,710 to $119,980 per year, with a median salary of $106,380. These figures reflect the typical earnings based on industry data and can vary based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.

About Our Data

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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The average salary for a Linux Systems Administrator is $92,740 per year in the United States, updated at April 01, 2025.
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