Linux is one of the top 10 skills requested by employers among the 4.33 million job postings for all types of tech positions in the United States during the 12-month period ending May 2022, according to Lightcast. Furthermore, with U.S. employers posting more than 570,000 jobs seeking candidates with Linux skills across a range of occupations (and more than 192,000 job postings for remote work), more talent is being recruited for roles with these skills.

If you’re looking to use Linux in your role, take a look at CompTIA Linux+. The CompTIA Linux+ certification validates the skills an early-career Linux systems administrator needs.

According to Lightcast, the median advertised salary for Linux related jobs is $97,000, more than double the national median wage. Although, there are many factors that influence salary such as location, job level, years of experience, organization size and more.

What Skills Does CompTIA Linux+ Cover?

Before we dive into each of these job roles, let’s look at how CompTIA Linux+ prepares you for these positions. Compared to other professional certifications, CompTIA Linux+ is the only job-focused Linux certification covering the latest foundational skills demanded by hiring managers.

CompTIA exams are developed through an intensive process where professionals come together and discuss what knowledge, skills and abilities are required to perform certain job roles. That means you can be sure the topics covered by CompTIA Linux+ match what Linux professionals need to know today.

After taking the CompTIA Linux+ exam, an individual will be able to do the following:

• Troubleshoot system properties, processes and troubleshoot user, application and hardware issues
• Understand best practices for permissions, authentication, firewalls and file management
• Manage software and services, explain server roles, job scheduling and the use and operation of Linux devices
• Configure kernel modules, network parameters, storage, cloud and virtualization technologies
• Execute basic BASH scripts, version control using Git and orchestration processes

It’s no surprise that these are the exact skills covered by CompTIA Linux+. (Check out the exam objectives for yourself – download them for free!) Organizations are looking to hire qualified professionals who knows the ins and outs of Linux.

Let’s take a closer look at how IT professionals who have CompTIA Linux+ are qualified for the following jobs:

• Linux administrator
• Linux engineer
• Database administrator
• Systems administrator
• Network administrator

5 Jobs You Could Get with CompTIA Linux+

If you earn CompTIA Linux+, you may be interested in one of the following in-demand IT jobs.

1. Linux Administrator

If you know the Linux operating system like the back of your hand, then Linux administrator could be for you.

A Linux administrator is a back-end IT specialist who installs, configures and maintains Linux operating systems in the following ways:

• Installs and configures Linux systems including back-end databases and scripts
• Performs system maintenance by reviewing error logs
• Creates system backups
• Monitors system performance to prevent slowdowns and crashes
• Provides technical support
• Maintains system security

The median advertised salary for Linux administrators is $86,000. (Source: Lightcast)

10th Percentile

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

90th Percentile

$66K

$75K

$86K

$97K

$108K

2. Linux Engineer

If you are interested in troubleshooting and executing tests while monitoring system performance, then Linux engineer could be for you.

A Linux engineer supports their organization in the following ways:

• Works with vendors and other IT personnel for technical design, implementation and problem resolution
• Coordinates with other departments to ensure on-time delivery of a fully tested and compatible devices that meet product requirements
• Provides design guidance and support to an organization to enable optimal usage of the technology
• Creates, maintains and troubleshoots Linux instances on multiple networks, in multiple architectures
• Troubleshoots issues with the product as reported by customer responses

The median advertised salary for Linux engineers is $99,000. (Source: Lightcast)

10th Percentile

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

90th Percentile

$76K

$87K

$99K

$110K

$121K

3. Database Administrator

If you like managing all aspects of an organized database environment, then database administrator could be your next move.

A database administrator may have the following responsibilities:

• Configures and maintains the database management system
• Creates policies for the maintenance, security and use of the database management system
• Trains employees on how to use the database management system
• Updates the database code as new technologies emerge
• Recovers and backs up data as needed

The median annual salary for database administrators is $97,000. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

10th Percentile

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

90th Percentile

$49K

$63K

$97K

$125K

$151K

4. Systems Administrator

If you are interested in working with the day-to-day operations of computer networks and keeping IT systems running, then systems administrator could be for you.

A systems administrator’s responsibilities include:

• Ensures the organization’s hardware and software are working as intended
• Installs all the applications needed to support the organization
• Updates systems when new software is released
• Maintains user accounts and access

The median advertised salary for systems administrators is $81,000. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

10th Percentile

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

90th Percentile

$50K

$63K

$81K

$103K

$131K

5. Network Administrator

If you are interested in managing systems, solving connectivity issues and supporting internal servers, then network administrator might be your next move.

A network administrator’s responsibilities include:

• Installs and maintains the network and hardware systems
• Diagnoses and repairs connectivity issues
• Ensures people can only access the files they have permission to
• Monitors the network to maintain speed and availability
• Manages backup systems for the network

The median advertised salary for network administrators is $81,000. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

10th Percentile

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

90th Percentile

$50K

$63K

$81K

$103K

$131K

Global IT offers the Linux+ Certified Training course designed to help you pass your certification exam. Contact us today at (248) 557-2480 for more information, to speak with a Career Specialist, and to enroll in a class starting soon! You can also visit us at www.gogitgo.com.

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