Linux kernel developers design and implement applications and drivers for devices, such as a cell phone or smartwatch. There are no formal education requirements to become a Linux kernel developer, though some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Practice using Linux, version control systems such as Git, and programming languages including C, or C++, and Python to become proficient in their uses. Or, acquire an entry-level position with a software company or in an IT department to gain experience working with different kinds of applications. Develop mock Linux kernels to build a portfolio, and seek positions with software companies that utilize Linux.

If you are interested in a job related to Linux Kernel Developer, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Linux Kernel Developer Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Linux Kernel Developer positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Junior Linux Kernel Engineer
Salary range: $48,500 - $80,000
Junior Linux Kernel Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs pay between $48,500 (25th percentile) and $80,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Kernel Developer
Salary range: $110,000 - $139,000
Kernel Developer is a typical job search query Most salaries for Kernel Developer jobs pay between $110,000 (25th percentile) and $139,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Kernel Developer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Linux Kernel
Salary range: $136,500 - $165,000
Linux Kernel is a typical job search query Most salaries for Linux Kernel jobs pay between $136,500 (25th percentile) and $165,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Linux Kernel job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Linux Kernel Development
Salary range: $136,500 - $165,000
Linux Kernel Development is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Linux Kernel Development jobs pay between $136,500 (25th percentile) and $165,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Linux Kernel Development job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Freelance Linux Kernel Development
Salary range: $136,500 - $165,000
Freelance Linux Kernel Development is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs pay between $136,500 (25th percentile) and $165,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Freelance Linux Kernel Development job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Linux Kernel Driver
Salary range: $136,500 - $165,000
Linux Kernel Driver is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Linux Kernel Driver jobs pay between $136,500 (25th percentile) and $165,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Linux Kernel Driver job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Salary range: $104,000 - $125,000
Linux Kernel Software Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Linux Kernel Software Engineer jobs pay between $104,000 (25th percentile) and $125,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Linux Kernel Software Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
From Home Windows Kernel Developer
Salary range: $110,000 - $160,000
From Home Windows Kernel Developer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for From Home Windows Kernel Developer jobs pay between $110,000 (25th percentile) and $160,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for From Home Windows Kernel Developer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer
Salary range: $63,500 - $106,000
Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs pay between $63,500 (25th percentile) and $106,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Freelance Windows Kernel Developer
Salary range: $39,000 - $39,000
Freelance Windows Kernel Developer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Freelance Windows Kernel Developer jobs pay between $39,000 (25th percentile) and $39,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Freelance Windows Kernel Developer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Linux Kernel Developer Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in 2026