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Job outlook for linux administrators in the United States
Linux administrator job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected linux administrator job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 18,200 new jobs for linux administrators are projected over the next decade.
Linux administrator salaries have increased 9% for linux administrators in the last 5 years.
There are over 30,711 linux administrators currently employed in the United States.
There are 56,604 active linux administrator job openings in the US.
The average linux administrator salary is $79,996.
Are linux administrator jobs in demand?
Linux administrator job and salary trends over time
Linux administrator jobs over time
Linux administrator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 30,711 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 17,575 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 18,595 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 9,925 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 10,163 | 0.00% |
Average linux administrator salary over time
Linux administrator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $79,996 | $38.46 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $77,360 | $37.19 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $75,609 | $36.35 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $74,733 | $35.93 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $73,443 | $35.31 | +2.4% |
Linux administrator jobs by state
Most common states for linux administrators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 274 | 39% |
| 2 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,271 | 21% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,547 | 18% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 844 | 15% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 976 | 14% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 101 | 14% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 412 | 13% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 169 | 13% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 91 | 12% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 75 | 12% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 443 | 11% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 113 | 11% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 766 | 10% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 714 | 10% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 563 | 10% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 201 | 10% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 908 | 9% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 178 | 9% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 148 | 9% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 89 | 9% |
Most common cities for linux administrators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Springfield | 3 | 10% | $86,867 |
| 2 | Severn | 2 | 5% | $90,368 |
| 3 | McLean | 2 | 4% | $86,888 |
| 4 | Texas City | 2 | 4% | $76,119 |
| 5 | Gaithersburg | 2 | 3% | $90,198 |
| 6 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $90,414 |
| 7 | Cambridge | 2 | 2% | $84,588 |
| 8 | Arlington | 2 | 1% | $86,916 |
| 9 | Jersey City | 2 | 1% | $82,318 |
| 10 | Allen | 1 | 1% | $75,611 |
| 11 | Boulder | 1 | 1% | $74,155 |
| 12 | New York | 5 | 0% | $80,341 |
| 13 | Washington | 3 | 0% | $79,503 |
| 14 | Austin | 2 | 0% | $76,638 |
| 15 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $78,657 |
| 16 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $84,622 |
Linux Administrator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of linux administrator experts
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Ohio University
Tarleton State University
DePaul University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Davenport University
Appalachian State University
What general advice would you give to a Linux Administrator?
Janice Garnett Ed.D.: Negotiate based on research, develop a career development plan, focus on enhancing performance, professional growth, and continuous learning.
What skills stand out on Linux Administrator resumes?
Greg Kessler Ph.D.: I am not sure that there are any particular skills that stand out on resumes, but familiarity with instructional design principles should be considered to be very valuable. I also think that knowledge of multimedia principles, social media, and various forms of virtual and immersive experiences. Also, knowledge of AI and the other things I referred to in the trends above.
Dr. Jacqueline Abernathy
Assistant ProfessorTarleton State University
Public Administration
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Linux Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Jacqueline Abernathy: I think one of the most significant changes to the job market is how the pandemic forced employers to do business virtually if they wanted to do business at all. For non-essential businesses, they had to find a way for employees to work at home if they wanted employees to keep working. This means that jobs that were originally considered location-bound were found to be done remotely, some with little to no modifications.
What this means is that some employers have reconsidered the costs of maintaining physical office space for workers that could telecommute and would rather work at home. Instead of paying rent and utilities for all employees to work in cubicles, they could export those costs to the employee using the spare bedroom they pay for, and home internet, phone, power, the water they pay for themselves. This cost-saving epiphany could affect employers and jobseekers alike in several ways. If a job can be done from anywhere, it means that those who are interested in a job can apply regardless of where they live.
This means a wider pool of talent for employers to choose from instead of just those willing to live within commuting distance. It also means more potential opportunities for jobseekers that might not be willing or able to relocate. But there is a downside, and that is that it increases competition for available jobs. The labor pool is no longer limited to those with skills and experience in a metro area, so those seeking a job are no longer just up against other locals anymore. This means those on the job market might have a more difficult job finding ways to set themselves apart. I think it means more opportunities, potentially, but greater challenges getting hired and a need to find ways to make themselves more marketable than they may have needed to be when labor pools were shallower.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Linux Administrators to find work opportunities?
Dr. Anna Frank: This was on ZipRecruiter-outdoor jobs.
Try the Top Five
If location isn't a factor in your outdoor job search, then consider heading to one of the top five states who offer the most employment opportunities to be had under the sun (and stars). Those are:
1. California
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. New York
5. North Carolina
How would you rate the starting salaries for Linux Administrators, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Dr. Richard Huff Ph.D.: While MPA students are not drawn to public service by high salaries, it is reasonable to expect remuneration, which respects their credentials and experience. Many students are mid-level careerists and are likely to remain in their jobs where an advanced degree may improve their opportunities for advancement, and others may be looking for a career change. Also, a cohort of students moving from undergraduate to graduate degrees with internships is common.
These groups likely present varying degrees of salary requirements and qualifications. In the federal service, an MPA qualifies as one at the GS-9 entry-level. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) publishes salary tables at Link The beginning salary varies by location from $53K to $61K, with the higher amount near large metropolitan areas. Higher salaries are common in overseas areas. Progression is based on performance with opportunities to achieve salaries of $150K and over at the executive levels. Overall, beginning salaries for the MPA considering nonprofits and government agencies is estimated at $53K.
How do you envision technology impacting Linux Administrators in the next 5 years?
Marjolijn Van der Velde Ph.D.: Strange as it sounds, the one constant we can count on changes. While we may not know exactly what tech skills will be necessary, knowing that we need to be continuous learners will help us keep up with the rapid rate of change we can expect over the next five years.
How do you envision technology impacting Linux Administrators in the next 5 years?
David Marlett Ph.D.: The impact of technology is going to be massive in insurance like all other professions. Risk identification is going to be more accurate because of the new sources of data and better analytics. Claims will be handled faster using AI, remote working, and drones. Jobs are going to change; skill sets will need to be updated. It will be easier for the current students and recent graduates, in my opinion. We are racing to keep our curriculum current and doing our best to prepare students. They are also just more naturally comfortable with technology and not as upset about moving away from the traditional system.