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Entry Level Linux Admin Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Linux Admin information

See Austin, TX salary details

$10

$50

$76

How much do entry level linux admin jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level linux admin in Austin, TX is $50.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.68 and $58.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Entry Level Linux Admin do?

An Entry Level Linux Admin is responsible for maintaining, monitoring, and supporting Linux-based systems within an organization. Typical tasks include installing and configuring Linux operating systems, setting up user accounts, managing file permissions, and performing routine system updates. They also help troubleshoot issues, monitor system performance, and ensure the security and reliability of servers. This role often works under the supervision of senior system administrators and is a great starting point for those pursuing a career in IT infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level Linux administrators, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level Linux administrators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unfamiliar system errors, managing permissions, and configuring network settings. These tasks can be daunting without prior experience, but utilizing documentation, community forums, and internal knowledge bases can help bridge gaps in understanding. Regularly practicing command-line tasks and seeking mentorship from more experienced administrators are effective ways to build confidence and competence. Over time, hands-on exposure to different Linux distributions and real-world scenarios will significantly improve troubleshooting skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Linux Admin vs Network Support Technician?

AspectEntry Level Linux AdminNetwork Support Technician
CertificationsLinux+, LPIC-1CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentData centers, server rooms, cloud environmentsOffice networks, client sites, help desks
Industry UsageIT, hosting, cloud servicesTelecommunications, enterprise IT
Common TasksServer setup, Linux troubleshooting, scriptingNetwork configuration, hardware troubleshooting, connectivity issues

The Entry Level Linux Admin primarily focuses on managing Linux servers, scripting, and system maintenance within data centers or cloud environments. In contrast, Network Support Technicians handle network hardware, connectivity, and troubleshooting across various enterprise or client networks. While both roles require foundational IT certifications and involve troubleshooting, Linux Admins specialize in server and OS management, whereas Network Support Technicians focus on network infrastructure and hardware support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Linux Admin, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Linux Admin, you need a foundational understanding of Linux operating systems, basic networking, scripting, and troubleshooting skills, often supported by a relevant degree or Linux certification such as CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1. Familiarity with command-line tools, system monitoring utilities, and configuration management systems like Ansible or Puppet is needed. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help you efficiently resolve issues and collaborate with IT teams. These skills are crucial for maintaining system stability, ensuring security, and supporting organizational IT infrastructure.
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Admin jobs in Austin, TX? The most popular types of Linux Admin jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Entry Level Linux Admin jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Entry Level Linux Admin job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Linux Admin job openings in Austin, TX as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 32% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,598 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Tactical System Administrator

Tactical System Administrator

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:
Tactical System Administrator
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Hiring Department:
Applied Research Laboratories
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
Exempt
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Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue
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Location:
PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS
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Job Details:
Purpose
ARL is seeking a Tactical Systems Administrator and Information Security Specialist to provide comprehensive support for systems, testing, coding, and Information Assurance processes for the Environmental Sciences Laboratory (ESL) at Applied Research Laboratories (ARL).
Responsibilities
  • Set up and maintain tactical computing solutions, primarily using Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems, in a security-hardened environment.
  • Ensure systems are configured for optimal performance and security, adhering to best practices and organizational standards.
  • Conduct testing and evaluation of tactical system software, engineering solutions, and scientific studies using analytical applications such as MATLAB.
  • Develop and execute test plans to validate system functionality and security, ensuring all components meet the required specifications.
  • Perform system configuration tasks using scripting languages such as Bash and compiled languages like C/C++.
  • Develop and maintain scripts to automate routine tasks and improve system efficiency, ensuring data processing methods are robust and reliable.
  • Knowledge of configuration management and version control such as ansible and git.
  • Implement and manage information assurance tasks, including system hardening and routine vulnerability assessments using tools such as Nessus.
  • Identify and remediate system vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance with security policies and best practices.
  • Deploy systems on-site for sponsors and provide reach-back support from the ESL.
  • Offer frequent telephone troubleshooting support during business hours and occasionally during non-business hours or weekends to ensure continuous system availability and performance.
  • Conduct research to identify and evaluate currently available and emerging technologies that can meet or exceed sponsor technical requirements.
  • Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in systems administration and information security to enhance the laboratory's capabilities.
  • Perform administrative duties such as conducting physical inventories, managing custodianship of classified holdings, handling classified mailings, and maintaining system and security documentation.
  • Ensure all administrative tasks are completed accurately and efficiently to support the smooth operation of the laboratory.
  • Deployment and support of systems at sponsor sites
  • Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • HS/GED
  • Two years of system administration experience.
  • Candidate will need to obtain a DoD 8570.01 (CompTIA Security+) approved certification or acquire within 6 months of hire.
  • Entry-level skills or knowledge of Linux (e.g. Red Hat, CentOS), scripting (e.g. Bash, Python), data analysis (e.g. evaluating charts, plots), VMware administration, AWS, or respective equivalents.
  • The candidate must be willing to obtain and maintain an active security clearance. Additionally, the role may require the candidate to obtain and maintain higher-level or additional security clearances as needed.
  • Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, be highly organized and capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing their time. The position will require attention to detail, effective problem solving skills and excellent judgment. Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision and effectively communicate with all groups of clients. Able to work under pressure and accept supervision. Regular and punctual attendance.
US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a Computer Science, Information Technology or related field.
  • Two or more years of combined systems, analysis, coding, and information assurance experience.
  • Ability to obtain a forklift license.
  • Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows operating systems.
  • Knowledge of scripting languages such as yaml, Shell/Python and compiled languages such as C/C++ or Java.
  • Experience with MATLAB and skills to graph and evaluate analytical data.
  • Ability to assess information assurance posture and utilize vulnerability scanners such as Nessus.
  • Knowledge of data encryption.
  • Experience in deploying and supporting DoD tactical systems.
  • Experience supporting ATO compliance implementation and maintenance.
  • Experience with process automation using tools such as Ansible, etc. in hybrid and air gapped environments.
  • Two or more years providing technical support to project sponsors via various channels of communication (email, phone, etc.).
  • An active security clearance, or recently archived security clearance.
  • Eligibility for immediate access to classified information.

Driving Required
This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
General Notes
An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.
Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required. Failure to attach all additional materials listed below may result in a delay in application processing.
Visit our website (www.arlut.utexas.edu) for additional information about Applied Research Laboratories.
UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays
Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.
Salary Range
$58,000-$70,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
  • Standard office conditions
  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
  • Use of manual dexterity
  • Possible weekend, evening and holiday work
  • Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Required Materials
  • Resume/CV
  • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
  • Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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