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Entry Level Linux System Administrator Jobs in Boston, MA

Sr. System Administrator with Security Clearance

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Principal System Administrator based in Marlborough, MA, internally known as Principal Analyst ... Understanding and knowledge of Windows Server internals or Linux fundamentals to include DNS, DHCP ...

Sr. System Administrator (onsite)

Andover, MA

$87K - $118K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with Windows Server internals or Linux fundamentals to include DNS, DHCP, AD, and server ... systems (OS). * Must be able to obtain Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 8140 / 8570 ...

Sr. System Administrator (onsite)

Andover, MA · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with Windows Server internals or Linux fundamentals to include DNS, DHCP, AD, and server ... systems (OS). * Must be able to obtain Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 8140 / 8570 ...

... Administrator, capable of providing information technology support to groups performing cutting ... Provide Tier 2 and Tier 3 support to Windows and Linux based operating systems across Riverside ...

Systems Administrator

Boston, MA · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... entry level to ownership. Since 1983, Modera has been committed to being an advisor firm, and not a ... Lead or contribute to infrastructure improvement initiatives, including system/network/application ...

Systems Administrator

Boston, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... entry level to ownership. Since 1983, Modera has been committed to being an advisor firm, and not a ... Lead or contribute to infrastructure improvement initiatives, including system/network/application ...

Having familiarity with Linux is a plus but not needed. Knowledge of troubleshooting and diagnostics of electromechanical systems. You could be standing extended periods of time. Also, may be ...

Platform Administrator

Boston, MA · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Platform Administrator, you will support the implementation, operation, and lifecycle ... Experience with Windows and Linux server operating systems, lifecycle management, and configuration ...

DevOps & Systems Engineer

Peabody, MA · On-site

$58.50 - $80.25/hr

Administer on-premises Linux servers, build systems, development environments, and supporting infrastructure. * Maintain self-hosted source control, build runners, container registries, and related ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Linux System Administrator information

See Boston, MA salary details

$22

$56

$82

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level linux system administrator in Boston, MA is $56.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.66 and $67.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level Linux system administrator do?

An entry-level Linux system administrator focuses on the maintenance and optimization of the network of an organization or business running on the Linux operating system. Your primary duties in this career involve maintaining software instead of hardware. Your responsibilities also include keeping it up to date with the latest updates and ensuring its security against hackers. Training new users is often a part of your job as well. Individuals in this position provide support to a senior team member and technical help for others. Opportunities exist in a myriad of industries.

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

AspectEntry Level Linux System AdministratorLinux Support Technician
CertificationsLinux+, LPIC-1Linux+, CompTIA A+
Work EnvironmentData centers, server rooms, cloud environmentsHelp desks, technical support centers
ResponsibilitiesServer setup, maintenance, user managementIssue troubleshooting, user support, software installation
Industry UsageIT companies, hosting providers, cloud services

The Entry Level Linux System Administrator focuses on managing Linux servers and infrastructure, while the Linux Support Technician primarily handles end-user support and troubleshooting. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in daily tasks and work environments, with the administrator working more on backend systems and the technician providing front-line support.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Linux System Administrator, you need a solid understanding of Linux operating systems, basic networking, and scripting fundamentals, typically backed by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with command-line interfaces, shell scripting, and tools like SSH, as well as certifications such as CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1, are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate technical information clearly help you excel in this role. These skills ensure reliable system performance, efficient troubleshooting, and effective collaboration in IT environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level Linux system administrators, and how can they prepare for them?

Entry level Linux system administrators often face challenges such as troubleshooting unfamiliar issues, managing time effectively during multiple support requests, and understanding the complexities of different Linux distributions. To prepare, it's helpful to build a strong foundation in command-line tools, practice reading system logs, and familiarize yourself with common administrative tasks like user management and system updates. Collaborating with more experienced team members and actively participating in documentation and knowledge sharing can also accelerate learning and confidence in the role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux System Administrator jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Linux System Administrator jobs in Boston, MA are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Linux System Administrator jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Linux System Administrator jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Entry Level Linux System Administrator jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Entry Level Linux System Administrator job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Linux System Administrator job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,403 per year, or $56.4 per hour.

SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR II, IS&T Systems Operations

Boston University

Boston, MA • On-site

$75K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Boston University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description


Boston University Information Services & Technology (IS&T) is seeking applicants with diverse skills and experience to join our innovative and inclusive community.
Join us as a Linux Systems Administrator II where you will contribute to the implementation, operation, and support of IS&T Linux based services. You will have the opportunity to leverage your technical expertise to assess client system's needs, advocate for and implement technology solutions; and refine existing processes and procedure to help ensure the availability, reliability and responsiveness of University systems. As part of the Infrastructure Operations team, you will report to the Assistant Director and collaborate with multiple technology groups across campus to administer and advance the underlying server technology that enables a wide variety of University client services. This position has options for hybrid or remote, to be discussed during the interview. This position includes a rotating 24/7 on-call support, with occasional night and weekend support for critical University business cycles and routine maintenance.
You Will:
  • Manage and maintain server operating systems, hardware, and core infrastructure to ensure reliability, performance, and security
  • Monitor systems proactively to identify issues, trends, and opportunities for improvement
  • Troubleshoot and resolve incidents, partnering with teams and vendors for timely resolution
  • Provide Level 2 support for complex technical issues escalated from the Help Desk
  • Participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation to support critical operations and incident response
  • Apply system upgrades, patches, and maintenance to keep environments current and secure
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to test, implement, and transition systems into production
  • Maintain clear system documentation, standards, and recovery procedures
  • Support business continuity and disaster recovery planning and testing
  • Automate monitoring and operational tasks to improve efficiency and service quality
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance system performance and reliability
  • Partner with vendors to troubleshoot issues and optimize support outcomes

Required Skills
You Will Have:
  • 2+ years of relevant work experience or relevant post-secondary education, including a combination of these two.
  • Experience with (CentOS/RHEL) Linux systems administration, demonstrating a good understanding of basic Linux utilities and infrastructure, with ability to diagnose Linux operating system and associated hardware & software issues.
  • Experience with scripting in a Linux environment and comfortable with working in CLI.
  • Experience with administration skills that include monitoring performance, patching, backup & restore, internal firewalls, and SSL certificate management of Linux servers, as well as the automation of any or all these tasks.
  • Experience with installing, configuring, and upgrading Linux applications, various specialized third-party applications, and peripherals, and knowledge of TCP/IP LAN networking principles and application protocols (e.g., HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP and FTP).
  • Experience with a variety of tools, leveraged in a complex enterprise environment, such as Configuration Management systems, Version Control Systems (e.g., git), remote assistance, image deployment, various native and centrally managed encryption solutions.

Bonus Qualifications:
If you do not meet these, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.
  • Experience with, and understanding of, Linux virtualization and containerization technologies (e.g., VMWare, OpenShift, Kubernetes), infrastructure-as-code tools including Ansible and Terraform, and cloud-native deployment practices would be advantageous and would enhance the candidate's ability to contribute to ongoing infrastructure modernization initiatives.

Boston University offers an excellent benefits package including:
  • Time Off: In addition to PTO and leave policy, BU employees have a paid intersession break and 13 paid holidays.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 2 years of eligible service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program for yourself and family members.
  • Check out https://www.bu.edu/wellness/ and https://www.bu.edu/hr/part-time-employee-perks/ for more information!

Boston University IS&T invests in our staff and their personal and professional growth. We promote staff learning including lunch and learn sessions, an extensive library of online courses, Fun Advisory Board (FAB) arranges a number of events throughout the year and opportunities to engage with peers at NERCOMP and EDUCAUSE events.
If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-353-6474.
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We, at IS&T, appreciate each individual's knowledge, experiences and insights which enhance who we are, and as our DEIA knowledge and practice grows, we will ensure that our Mission, Vision, & Practices remain equitable and welcoming to all.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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About Boston University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Boston University is an international, comprehensive, private research university, committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world. Boston University is committed to generating new knowledge to benefit society. We remain dedicated to our founding principles: that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity, in its tradition and standards of excellence, and in its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world. Boston University comprises a remarkable range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs built on a strong foundation of the liberal arts and sciences. With the support and oversight of the Board of Trustees, the University, through our faculty, continually innovates in education and research to ensure that we meet the needs of students and an ever-changing world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1839

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