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Entry Level Linux System Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sierra ITS

Linux Systems Administrator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Linux System Administrator - Full Time, Hybrid - Downtown Chicago - Pension Eligible Your Linux Admin skills are great, but your personality is really what shines. We've been asked by a well ...

Set of X

Linux System Administrator

Annapolis, MD · On-site

Work with current owners and administrators to understand existing systems, requirements, and ... Extensive RedHat (RHEL), CentOs Linux, and/or UNIX experience. * Experience managing NiFi data ...

Collabera

Linux System Administrator

Monterey, CA

Provide Linux operating systems maintenance on HPC clusters, general systems and user support, and Cross Domain Security development and maintenance Responsible for improving the efficiency and ...

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Entry Level Linux System Administrator information

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

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level linux system administrator in the United States is $51.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.11 and $62.50 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, and why are they important?

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 does an Entry Level Linux System Administrator do?

An Entry Level Linux System Administrator is responsible for maintaining, configuring, and supporting Linux-based servers and systems. Their tasks typically include monitoring system performance, installing updates and patches, managing user accounts, and troubleshooting technical issues. They work closely with other IT staff to ensure that systems are secure, stable, and optimized for performance. This role usually serves as a starting point for those pursuing a career in system administration or IT infrastructure management.

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.
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Entry Level Linux System Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Linux System Administrator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,079 per year, or $52 per hour.

Linux System Administrator

SBT Global, Inc.

San Jose, CA • On-site

$6.5K/mo

Contractor

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Company Description
1 yr Contract
Onsite
Pay Rate: ~$6,500~/month (DOE)
Job Description
  • Engineering of systems administration-related solutions for various project and operational needs.
  • Install new/rebuild existing servers and configure hardware, peripherals, services, settings, directories, storage, etc. in accordance with standards and project/operational requirements.
  • Virtualization platform (VMware, KVM, and other)
  • Storage management (Netapp, Dell/EMC, PureStorage, and others)
  • Infra automation tools(ansible) support
  • Foreman deployment management
  • System inventory system (GLPI)
  • Network equipment management (Cisco, Mellanox, and others)
  • Install and configure systems which support infrastructure and/or R&D activities.
  • Develop and maintain installation and configuration procedures.
  • Configure/maintain storage equipment and troubleshoot with vendors.
  • Configure/install EDA tools, FlexLM licenses, and troubleshoot software tool issues.
  • Contribute to and maintain system standards.
  • Contribute to and maintain security posture of the systems
  • Research and recommend innovative, and where possible, automated approaches for system administration tasks. Identify approaches that leverage resources.
  • Operations and Support
  • Install and maintain security patches on the operational and development system, which includes but is not limited to, Red Hat Linux (Centos, Ubuntu...etc.), Windows 2008/2k8R2/2k12, VMWare, and Apache web services.
  • Report Security Patch compliance.
  • Perform daily system monitoring, verifying the integrity and availability of all hardware, server resources, systems and key processes, reviewing system and application logs, and verifying completion of scheduled jobs such as backups.
  • Perform regular security monitoring to identify any possible intrusions.
  • Perform daily backup operations, ensuring all required file systems and system data are successfully backed up to the appropriate media, recovery tapes or disks are created, and media is recycled and sent off site as necessary.
  • Perform regular file archival and purge as necessary.
  • Create, change, and delete user accounts per request as necessary.
  • Provide Tier III/other support per request from various constituencies. Investigate and troubleshoot issues.
  • Repair and recover from hardware or software failures. Coordinate and communicate with impacted constituencies.
  • Maintenance
  • Apply OS patches and upgrades on a regular basis, and upgrade administrative tools and utilities. Configure/add new services as necessary.
  • Manage existing and/or deploy new instances of Jirra, Git, LDAP, Jenkins, VMWare environments.
  • Upgrade and configure system software that supports infrastructure applications or Asset Management applications per project or operational needs.
  • Maintain operational, configuration, or other procedures.
  • Perform ongoing performance tuning, hardware upgrades, and resource optimization as required. Configure CPU, memory, and disk partitions as required.
  • After hours and weekend support and/or alternative work schedules are required at various points in the year

Qualifications
  • Especially high skill level of VMware admin and management, also including but not limiting, Jenkins, GIT, DevOps tool administration
  • Systems Administration/System Engineer certification in Linux+, e.g., CompTIA Linux+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) preferred
  • Network equipment management, Cisco equipment preferred,
  • 2+ years of system administration experience in Linux environments and proficient in tasks such as shell scripting, creating corn jobs, analyzing log files, managing user accounts and groups, configuring iptables, and setting up mail services.
  • Proven ability to multi-task.
  • Independent, self-starter.
  • Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written correspondence) in a professional and courteous manner with technical and non-technical personnel.
  • CompTIA Security+ (SY0-301) or other DoD 8570.1 Workplace Improvement Plan IAT Level II compliant certification required (or equivalent experience).
  • Familiarity with web-based technologies, including but not limited to, reverse proxy servers, SSL certificate configuration, three-tier architecture, and service oriented architecture, enterprise service bus, http, and differences between browsers.
  • Able to lift 50 lbs.
  • Able to move servers to and from main DC to the colocation and labs
  • Install new hardware or migrate existing servers (rack and stack)

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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