How To Become A Linux Administrator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a linux administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Janice Garnett Ed.D.

Linux administrators work in a variety of organizations, installing, configuring, and maintaining Linux operating systems. Furthermore, they facilitate business-critical and development activities by performing server-side operations and troubleshooting tasks. Linux administrators also set up user access and keep an eye on system stability and security. In addition, their expertise creates a working system for a high degree of risk assessment and user assistance. Because Linux is an open-source operating system, managers frequently engage other developers to research and develop system improvements.

For effective functioning, a Linux Administrator must understand server administration, programming, and coding, possess analytical skills and a formidable understanding of Information Security, and have highly polished communication and problem-solving skills. Technical expertise, specifically with the Linux operating system environment, is required for Linux administrators. Candidates with a Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline and at least two years of experience in a server-side administrative function stand a good chance of being hired. Linux Administrators can earn between $92,736 and $131,354 yearly.

What general advice would you give to a linux administrator?

Janice Garnett Ed.D.

Senior Lecturer, University of Nebraska - Omaha

Negotiate based on research, develop a career development plan, focus on enhancing performance, professional growth, and continuous learning.

ScoreLinux AdministratorUS Average

Salary

6.2

Avg. Salary $79,996

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 13.86%

Black or African American 7.96%

Hispanic or Latino 11.68%

Unknown 5.01%

White 61.18%

Gender

female 12.68%

male 87.32%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a linux administrator

Explore linux administrator education requirements

Most common linux administrator degrees

Bachelor's

73.8 %

Master's

15.0 %

Associate

7.6 %

Start to develop specific linux administrator skills

Skills	Percentages
Python	6.76%
Windows	4.61%
Linux Servers	4.49%
Bash	4.18%
Red Hat	3.90%

Complete relevant linux administrator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New linux administrators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a linux administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real linux administrator resumes.

Gain additional linux administrator certifications

Linux administrator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific linux administrator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for linux administrators include Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) and IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL).

More About Certifications

Research linux administrator duties and responsibilities

Manage PGP/GPG encryption in FTP/SFTP scripts.
Manage TCP/IP packets and DHCP servers and resolving TCP/IP network access problems for the clients.
Manage entire network infrastructure, switches, firewalls, servers (configuration/installation), patch management, vendor relations.
Configure and manage splunk forwarders.

Prepare your linux administrator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your linux administrator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a linux administrator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable linux administrator resume templates

Build a professional linux administrator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your linux administrator resume.