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Linux Security Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Information Security Administrator is responsible for documentation including reports ... ArcSight, Linux security, Juniper SSL VPN, Anti-virus, Intrusion Detection/Prevention - Snort, ISS ...

Linux System Administrator

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Administer, maintain, and optimize Linux-based systems in a production environment * Manage and ... Implement and maintain system security configurations, including NSF frameworks/policies * Monitor ...

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How much do linux security administrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux security administrator in the United States is $48.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.08 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Linux Security Administrators in maintaining system security across diverse environments?

Linux Security Administrators often encounter challenges such as managing security updates across multiple distributions, ensuring consistent configuration in hybrid cloud and on-premises environments, and responding to emerging threats. They must balance proactive hardening measures with business needs to avoid disrupting operations. Collaboration with development, network, and compliance teams is key to implementing effective security controls and incident response procedures. Staying current with vulnerabilities and regulatory requirements is also essential for success in this role.

Are Linux admins in high demand?

Linux Security Administrators are in high demand due to the widespread use of Linux in servers, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Employers seek professionals with skills in security tools, scripting, and certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC to manage and protect Linux systems effectively.

Is sysadmin entry level?

A Linux Security Administrator role typically requires prior experience with Linux systems, security protocols, and often some level of system administration. Entry-level positions in system administration may be available, but specialized security roles usually demand intermediate or advanced skills and certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or CISSP.

What is the difference between Linux Security Administrator vs Linux System Administrator?

AspectLinux Security AdministratorLinux System Administrator
Primary FocusSecurity management, vulnerability mitigation, access controlsSystem setup, maintenance, performance, and troubleshooting
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, Linux Security certificationsCompTIA Linux+, LPIC-1, RHCSA
Work EnvironmentSecurity teams, cybersecurity departments, IT security firmsIT departments, data centers, enterprise networks
ResponsibilitiesImplementing security policies, monitoring threats, managing firewallsInstalling OS, configuring servers, managing user accounts

The Linux Security Administrator primarily focuses on protecting Linux systems from security threats, while the Linux System Administrator manages overall system operations and performance. Both roles require Linux certifications and often work within the same environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly in scope and focus.

What is a typical sysadmin salary?

A Linux Security Administrator's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Professionals with specialized skills in security tools and scripting may earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand markets.

What does a Linux Security Administrator do?

A Linux Security Administrator is responsible for securing Linux-based systems and networks within an organization. This includes managing firewalls, monitoring for vulnerabilities, applying security patches, and responding to security incidents. They also develop and enforce security policies, perform regular audits, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Their work is crucial in protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity and availability of IT infrastructure.

Is Linux admin a good career?

A Linux Security Administrator is a specialized role focused on protecting Linux-based systems from security threats, requiring knowledge of security protocols, scripting, and tools like firewalls and intrusion detection systems. It is a growing field with strong demand due to increasing cybersecurity concerns and the widespread use of Linux in servers and cloud environments. Certifications such as CompTIA Linux+ or CISSP can enhance job prospects in this career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linux Security Administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Linux Security Administrator, you need a strong background in Linux system administration, network security, and an understanding of cybersecurity principles, often supported by a degree in computer science or related certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE). Familiarity with security tools such as SELinux, firewalls (iptables, nftables), intrusion detection systems (Snort, OSSEC), and scripting languages like Bash or Python is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for proactively identifying vulnerabilities and collaborating with IT teams. These skills are essential for protecting systems against threats, ensuring compliance, and maintaining the integrity and availability of organizational data.
More about Linux Security Administrator jobs
What job categories do people searching Linux Security Administrator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Security Administrator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Security Administrator jobs? For Linux Security Administrator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Linux Security Administrator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,000 per year, or $48.1 per hour.
Linux Administrator - Secret Clearance Required

Linux Administrator - Secret Clearance Required

General Dynamics Information Technology

Falls Church, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 204 rated it services


Job description

REQ#: RQ218884Public Trust: None Requisition Type: Regular Your Impact

Own your opportunity to support our nation's defense. Make an impact by connecting and securing critical operations across the globe, keeping our country safe and secure.

Job Description

Linux Administrator


We are seeking a Linux Administrator to support the Infrastructure Management Monitoring Team in Falls Church, Virginia. This role is critical to maintaining and supporting Linux operating systems. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and can engage confidently with senior military and government leadership.

HOW A LINUX ADMINISTRTAOR WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:

  • Provide system administration support for Linux operating systems including installing software, applying patches, managing file systems, monitoring performance, and troubleshooting alerts from monitoring tools.
  • Analyzes and resolves problems associated with the operating system, servers, hardware, and applications software. Detects, diagnoses, and reports related problems on servers, including system failure analysis and recovery, insuring the consistency and integrity of file systems.
  • In-depth hardware configuration knowledge, shell programming expertise, and a solid understanding of standard concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals, performs a variety of tasks, and works under general supervision.
  • Responsible for daily monitoring of interface programs between multiple enterprise systems; review daily logs and ensure successful completion.
  • Perform incremental and full cold backups/patching.
  • Responsible for DoW Linux Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
  • Provide performance metrics and usage charts, including CPU usage, disk usage and network uptime for the Linux Servers.
  • Provide general maintenance, upgrades, and new installation of servers and coordinate with data center personnel to execute. Document and generate business processes for day-to-day and emergency support procedures.
  • Install, test, and verify Linux Security patches; coordinating, documenting requirements and timelines, and working closely with service owners.
  • Perform systems security administration functions, including creation and maintenance of customer profiles and accounts.
  • Responsible for creating and/or maintaining standard operating procedures for the Linux documentation library.
  • Implement, configure, update, and maintain Ansible servers and scripts.
  • Implement, configure, update, and maintain STIG Manager servers and scripts.
  • Implement, configure, update, and maintain the Linux operating system firewall.
  • Experience in handling NFS, CIFS, and SMB permissions.

WHAT YOULL NEED TO SUCCEED:

Education/Equivalent Training Required:

  • High school diploma or AA. Preferred - Bachelors degree in information technology, computer science or a related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical certifications or training, or work experience.

Required Experience:

  • 8+ years of overall demonstrated experience as a RHEL 7 and/or RHEL 8 Servers

Required Technical Skills Requirements:

  • Experience administering RHEL 7/8 Linux servers and applying Linux best practices
    Strong Linux administration skills with knowledge of enterprise network architectures
    Hands-on experience with automation/configuration tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
    Skilled in scripting for automation (Bash, Ruby, Python, Perl)
    Solid understanding of Linux internals (system calls, file systems, processes)
    Working knowledge of TCP/IP and related protocols (HTTP, FTP, NFS)
    Experience using PowerShell for task automation
    Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills
    Reliable and responsive, consistently meeting expectations and following direction
    Strong customer service skills; able to engage senior military and government leaders
    Able to present ideas clearly in briefings, meetings, and leadership interactions
    Capable of delivering training sessions as needed
    Experienced in coordinating with stakeholders to meet deadlines and objectives
    Excellent communication and documentation abilities
    Strong organizational, collaborative, and team-oriented mindset
    Able to quickly absorb information and self-learn new requirements
    Maintains current industry knowledge and professional certifications
    Able to work under time constraints and adapt to changing requirements
    Experience leading or managing teams

Certification Requirements:

  • Must Possess the appropriate baseline certification(s) to achieve DoW 8570.01-M Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level II (CompTIA Security+ ce) and additional Computing Environment (CE) certification (RHEL7 and/or RHEL 8) When 8140 requirements are implemented on program/contract, employee will need to conform to 8140 certification standards.

Security Clearance Level Requirements:

  • Must have a minimum of an active Secret clearance at time of interview and candidate must maintain active clearance.

Location:

  • Falls Church, Virginia

Travel:

  • Up to 10%. Travel may include attending conferences up to two times annually and site visits as needed.

#GDITPriority #GDIT

Work Requirements
Years of Experience

6 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) in Red Hat OpenStack - Redhat Certified Systems Administration RHEL 9 - Redhat Certified Systems Administration RHEL 9

Security+, CE - CompTIA - Security+ CE - CompTIA - CompTIA - Security+ CE - CompTIA

Travel Required

Less than 10%

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Required

Salary and Benefit Information

The likely salary range for this position is $127,500 - $172,500. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
View information about benefits and our total rewards program.

Our Identity Verification Process

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across over 50 countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber and application development. Together with our customers, we strive to create a safer, smarter world by harnessing the power of deep expertise and advanced technology.

Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans


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About General Dynamics Information Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US