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Entry Level Linux Administrator Jobs in Colorado

Entry Level Linux Administrator information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$53

$81

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level linux administrator in Colorado is $53.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.23 and $62.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges an entry level Linux administrator may encounter in their first year on the job?

Entry Level Linux Administrators often face challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced environment, managing multiple support tickets, and learning to troubleshoot a wide variety of system issues. Gaining proficiency with command-line tools, scripting, and remote server management can be daunting at first, but these skills are essential for daily tasks. Additionally, newcomers may need time to become familiar with the organization's specific infrastructure and security protocols, but collaborating with experienced team members can help ease this transition.

What does an entry level Linux administrator do?

An Entry Level Linux Administrator is responsible for assisting in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of Linux-based systems. They help monitor system performance, apply updates and patches, manage user accounts, and ensure system security. Their role often involves troubleshooting basic issues, supporting other IT staff, and learning advanced administration tasks. This position is ideal for those starting their career in system administration and looking to build a solid foundation in Linux environments.

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

AspectEntry Level Linux AdministratorNetwork Support Technician
Required CertificationsLinux+, CompTIA A+CompTIA Network+, A+
Work EnvironmentData centers, server rooms, IT departmentsHelp desks, network operations centers, client sites
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hosting providers, enterprisesTelecom, ISPs, corporate IT support
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Entry Level Linux Administrator primarily manages Linux servers, focusing on system setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting within data centers or enterprise environments. In contrast, a Network Support Technician handles network hardware, connectivity issues, and basic troubleshooting across various network infrastructures. While both roles require foundational IT certifications and support similar industries, the Linux Administrator specializes in server OS management, whereas the Network Support Technician focuses on network hardware and connectivity issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Linux administrator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Linux Administrator, you need a foundational understanding of Linux operating systems, basic networking, and troubleshooting, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with command-line tools, shell scripting, and knowledge of systems like Red Hat, Ubuntu, or CentOS—as well as certifications such as CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1—are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate and respond to system issues efficiently. These skills are crucial for ensuring system reliability, security, and smooth operation in IT environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Administrator jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Linux Administrator jobs in Colorado are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Linux Administrator jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Linux Administrator jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Entry Level Linux Administrator jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Entry Level Linux Administrator job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Linux Administrator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,023 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Software Engineer Level 2 (AHT)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Aurora, CO • On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
About our organization: As an engineer, you'll be joining our growing Aurora Software department which has 200+ Software Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Systems Administrator, Database Administrator, and Network Engineer peers from entry-level to the most senior chief engineers and architects. We have plenty of opportunities for career advancement into higher level technical roles or leadership positions. Our Software Department is part of a larger organization that includes Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test staff as well as a Hardware Engineering unit. This larger organization influences cross-program collaboration, professional development and training, as well as engagement and inclusion activities such as lunch-n-learns, campus events, and leadership mixers.
We support a small but mighty team that continues to innovate and set new benchmarks for our customers. If this sounds like an opportunity for you, Northrop Grumman Space Systems Sector would love to have you join our team as a Level 2 Software Engineer based out of Aurora, CO.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Level 2: Bachelor's degree in science with 2+ years of software development experience; 0+ years with a Master's; or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a degree.
  • Requires an active Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility at time of application.
  • Demonstrated software development experience across design, implementation, and test
  • Experience with object-oriented programming (OOP)
  • Experience with Git version control
  • Experience with software development lifecycle
  • Ability to clearly document and present technical ideas

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Java programming
  • Experience with Linux environment
  • Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Experience with automation pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab)
  • Experience with automated regression testing (unit, integration, system level)
  • Experience with service-oriented architectures
  • Experience with RESTful APIs
  • Experience with non-relational databases (Elasticsearch)
  • Experience with message brokers (RabbitMQ)
  • Experience with Javascript and front-end libraries (React)
  • Experience with Python and Bash scripting
  • Experience with Atlassian suite of tools (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket)
  • Experience with Agile Scrum processes and practices
  • Familiarity with Command and Control (C2) mission domain
  • Familiarity with common device protocols (REST, SNMP, GEMS, SCPI)
  • Familiarity with RF chain and/or ground station management
  • Able to motivate a large agile team that supports multiple products
  • Able to handle prioritization with requests coming from multiple customers
  • Proven history of delegation

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939