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

What is a linux systems engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.

Designing, implementing, troubleshooting, and monitoring programs created through Linux systems are the duties of a Linux system engineer. You will also install applications and use software tools and IP networking to resolve issues. Your duties will include monitoring program performance. As a note, Linux is an open-source operating system for computers, web servers, phones, and cars.

You will need time management and teamwork skills, plus the ability to communicate with clients. Project management skills are also valuable. You will need a bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or a similar pathway. You need to take courses to obtain Linux certification and know electrical and computing technology.

A Linux System Engineer must also be able to organize, plan, and structure systems. For all your hard work and education, you can make an average income of $101,000 per year.

What general advice would you give to a linux systems engineer?

Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.

Director of Graduate Studies for the Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Assistant Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington

Look for a job that you would enjoy doing, even if it takes some time to find such a position. Internships are great to explore various options.

ScoreLinux Systems EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.8

Avg. Salary $109,078

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 13.74%

Black or African American 7.89%

Hispanic or Latino 11.61%

Unknown 5.00%

White 61.45%

Gender

female 7.25%

male 92.75%

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 systems engineer

Explore linux systems engineer education requirements

Most common linux systems engineer degrees

Bachelor's

66.7 %

Associate

15.2 %

Master's

13.8 %

Start to develop specific linux systems engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Python	10.77%
Bash	5.29%
Cloud	4.15%
Centos	3.89%
Red Hat	3.64%

Complete relevant linux systems engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New linux systems engineers 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 systems engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real linux systems engineer resumes.

Research linux systems engineer duties and responsibilities

Lead the drive to upgrade from SMS to SCCM to take advantage of the advanced features that SCCM offer.
Manage VMware (ESX & ESXi) servers and clusters.
Create and manage user accounts and groups permissions on RHEL6 systems using LDAP.
Manage disk configurations using LVM on local servers as well as NFS systems.

Prepare your linux systems engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your linux systems engineer 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 systems engineer 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 systems engineer resume templates

Build a professional linux systems engineer 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 systems engineer resume.