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Linux System Administrator Jobs in McLean, VA (NOW HIRING)

Quevera, LLC.

Linux System Administrator

Odenton, MD · On-site

$134 - $164/hr

... Linux Systems Administrator with an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph to support mission-critical programs in Fort Meade, Maryland . In this role, you will join an infrastructure team ...

CTC

Linux System Administrator- 3371464

Laurel, MD

$120K - $180K/yr

Computer Technologies Consultants (CTC) is seeking a Linux System Administrator to support the Intelligence Community in Laurel, MD. With offices in Washington DC and San Diego, CA, CTC is a leading ...

Nwis

Linux System Administrator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a Technical Engagement Network (TEN) Lab Manager with experience in Linux Systems Administrator to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced cybersecurity ...

Nwis

Linux System Administrator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$77K - $163K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a Technical Engagement Network (TEN) Lab Manager with experience in Linux Systems Administrator to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced cybersecurity ...

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All JobsLinux System Administrator JobsLinux System Administrator Jobs in McLean, VA

Linux System Administrator information

See McLean, VA salary details

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$52

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How much do linux system administrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux system administrator in McLean, VA is $52.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.54 and $63.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Linux system administrator?

A Linux system administrator— or sysadmin—is an information technology professional who oversees the lifespan of Linux software installed on a server, computer, or other pieces of hardware, including network devices. As a Linux sysadmin, your responsibilities include software installation, day-to-day maintenance of applications, and an overall understanding of Linux operating systems. As part of the daily maintenance team, your job is to monitor system health and ensure that security patches are up-to-date, so that network systems perform well for business users.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linux system administrator?

To thrive as a Linux System Administrator, you need a strong understanding of Linux operating systems, system troubleshooting, and networking, often supported by a degree in computer science or related certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA). Familiarity with command-line interfaces, shell scripting, system monitoring tools, and configuration management systems like Ansible or Puppet is essential. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure reliable system performance, quick resolution of technical issues, and smooth collaboration within IT teams.

What are some common challenges faced by Linux system administrators when managing large-scale server environments?

Linux System Administrators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent configurations across numerous servers, ensuring security compliance, and minimizing downtime during updates or maintenance. Managing automation tools, such as Ansible or Puppet, and monitoring system performance are also critical aspects. Effective communication and collaboration with development and network teams are essential to quickly resolve issues and implement new technologies smoothly.

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

AspectLinux System AdministratorNetwork Administrator
CertificationsLinux+, LPIC, RHCSACompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentServers, data centers, cloud platformsNetworking hardware, routers, switches
ResponsibilitiesManaging Linux servers, scripting, securityConfiguring networks, troubleshooting connectivity
Industry UsageIT, hosting, cloud servicesTelecommunications, enterprise networks

While both roles involve IT infrastructure, a Linux System Administrator focuses on managing Linux servers and related software, whereas a Network Administrator specializes in maintaining and troubleshooting network hardware and connectivity. Both roles require specific certifications and are vital in ensuring smooth IT operations within organizations.

Are Linux System Administrators in high demand?

Linux System Administrators are in high demand due to the widespread use of Linux in servers, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Employers seek professionals with skills in scripting, networking, and system security, often requiring certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or RHCE.

How much do Linux system administrators make?

Linux system administrators typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in scripting, networking, or cloud platforms can earn higher salaries. Entry-level positions generally start around $50,000 to $70,000.

Is a Linux System Administrator a good job?

A Linux System Administrator is a valuable role responsible for managing and maintaining Linux-based servers and infrastructure. It often requires skills in scripting, networking, and security, and can offer stable employment with opportunities for certification and career growth.
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Linux System Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux System Administrator job openings in McLean, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,253 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Linux System Administrator

Altamira Technologies Corp.

Chantilly, VA

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Linux System Administrator
Altamira Technologies has a long and successful history providing innovative solutions throughout the U.S. National Security community. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Altamira serves the defense, intelligence, and homeland security communities worldwide by focusing on creating innovative solutions leveraging common standards in architecture, data and security. Altamira believes that our people and the culture of our company differentiate us from other companies.
 
We focus on recruiting talented, self-motivated employees that strive to find a way to get things done. Join our team of experts as we engineer national security! 
Description: Candidates will work in a Linux environment for a Cross Domain Solution (CDS), contributing to its sustainment and evolution. This position requires the application of expertise on multiple complex scripting, development, and work-around assignments that may be broad in nature and require originality and innovation in determining how to accomplish tasks. Qualified candidates will have appreciable latitude in developing methodology, presenting solutions to problems, and contributing to deliverables. 
Location: Chantilly, VA
The Role: Altamira requires Linux system administration support for the development, testing, deployment, operation, and maintenance of various mission-critical applications and services. A primary focus of this position is to provide system administration, configuration, and support tools to maintain and monitor the health of a large data transfer and message processing infrastructure. While the software development team is responsible for the development and customization of the applications, our client requires administration and enhancement of a data metrics collection and dashboarding system to allow simplified operator supervision of the performance of the overall system. Additional tasks include assisting with SNMP monitoring and data metrics collection in a diverse architecture. 

Skills: Linux system administration experience conducting system virtualization, user account management, application update repository maintenance, experience in the creation and management of Ansible playbooks for the automation of tasks, maintenance and usage of Git repositories, and version control. Eagerness to learn and contribute to the overall enhancement of the existing tasks for the maintenance of the system and support applications.

Top Skills:  

  • Red Hat Linux 7/8/9 
  • Ansible 
  • Git version control 
  • Docker 
  • Python and Bash scripting 
  • Experience with virtualization technologies such VMWare ESXi and ProxMox 
Additional Skills and Qualifications: TS/SCI with CI Poly Needed! Active monitoring and sustaining the operations of geographically distributed Linux-based applications to meet service-level agreements. This is to include patching, troubleshooting, debugging, and the creation of workaround solutions. Incident response management for the CDS solutions. Interface with federal personnel to communicate SLA metrics and remediation of incidents. Scripting and possible software development to automate Operations and Maintenance. Potential development of sensors to accelerate the detection of failed systems. Development of documentation for operations, sustainment, and user guides.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $120,000 to $160,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including, but not limited to, the scope of the position, relevant experience, education, certifications, internal equity, customer contractual requirements, security clearance requirements, and other legitimate business considerations.

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