10 of the Most Popular Types of Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in 2026
See what kind of roles similar to Linux Kernel Engineer jobs are hiring now
To become a Linux kernel engineer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related field. However, some companies may prefer candidates with a postgraduate degree. You also need extensive knowledge of Linux, as well as experience writing code and testing in a Linux environment. Although not required, you may pursue Linux certification from an organization like CompTIA or the Linux Professional Institute to demonstrate your expertise and help boost your career prospects. Additional qualifications include excellent communication, technical problem-solving, and organizational skills, along with attention to detail.
If you are interested in a job related to Linux Kernel Engineer, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.
Top Types Of Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs
Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu
Salary range: $48,500 - $80,000
Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu 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 Ubuntu job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Freelance Linux Kernel Developer
Salary range: $136,500 - $165,000
Freelance Linux Kernel Developer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer 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 Developer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Virtual Linux Kernel Developer
Salary range: $136,500 - $165,000
Virtual Linux Kernel Developer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs pay between $136,500 (25th percentile) and $165,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Virtual 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.
Linux Kernel Developer
Salary range: $136,500 - $165,000
A Linux kernel developer uses computer code to create a program that functions as the core of a computer operating system. Your duties can include creating kernels for open-source operating systems for desktop computers, laptops, phones, and tablets. You can also develop programs for embedded systems for routers, smart devices, or automated machinery. Linux uses C programming languages, so you often write code in C and C++. In addition to your coding responsibilities, you also test and debug your programs. Your employer may ask you to develop applications, drivers, and other tools to use with your kernel.
Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer
Salary range: $51,500 - $78,500
Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs pay between $51,500 (25th percentile) and $78,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
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.
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 Device Driver
Salary range: $97,000 - $99,000
Linux Device Driver is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Linux Device Driver jobs pay between $97,000 (25th percentile) and $99,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Linux Device Driver job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Tcs Linux
Salary range: $104,500 - $123,500
Tcs Linux is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Tcs Linux jobs pay between $104,500 (25th percentile) and $123,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Tcs Linux job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.