How to Become a Linux Engineer?

Are you thinking of becoming a Linux Engineer or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Linux Engineer, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Linux Engineer job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.

Steps to Become a Linux Engineer

If you're considering starting your Linux Engineer career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Linux Engineer and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Linux Engineer career.
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1

Earn a Degree

To begin your Linux Engineer career path, a Bachelor's Degree in computer science or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Linux Engineer internship may be required to earn your Bachelor's Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.
2

Choose a Specialty in Your Field

As an Linux Engineer, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Linux Engineer field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Linux Engineer specialty.
3

Get an Entry-Level Position as a Linux Engineer

Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in computer science or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Linux Engineer. In general, you can become a Linux Engineer after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Linux Engineer role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in security.
4

Advance in Your Linux Engineer Career

Following entry-level, there are several Linux Engineer career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Linux Engineer to progress to the next seniority level position. Each advanced Linux Engineer position requires approximately 2 years of experience at each level to advance in your Linux Engineer career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Linux Engineer career path.
5

Continued Education for Your Linux Engineer Career Path

Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Linux Engineer career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Graduate Degree in computer science can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Graduate Degree typically make $163,702 compared to $70,414 for those without that type of degree.

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Related Careers in the Information Technology Industry

Interested in other Information Technology careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Linux Engineer skills. Discover some of the most common Linux Engineer career transitions, along with skills overlap.

Network Administrator
0% skills overlap
23% transitioned to Network Administrator