How to become a Linux Engineer

Becoming a Linux Engineer is an in-demand career path. It requires deep expertise in Linux and a strong network to carry you along. Here are some resources to help you on your journey.

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Why should you become a
Linux Engineer?

Demand for experts in Linux is growing rapidly. Companies are looking for people with deep expertise in the field of Linux to help them build their products and services.

As a result, Linux Engineers are in high demand and command high salaries. According to leading sources, the median salary for a Linux Engineer is $95,000 and a senior Linux Engineer can earn up to $125,000. Even entry-level positions can command great salaries.

No wonder that interest in a career in Linux is growing rapidly. Explore the resources below to learn more about how to become a Linux Engineer.

Your Linux Engineer Journey

Everything you need to start your career in Linux.

Best books to build Linux understanding

A well-written and thorough book can be an amazing path to build deeper understanding and also act as a handbook as you discover the internet's vast resources.

These are our and our experts top picks to get started building career-relevant skills.

How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know

How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know

Unlike some operating systems, Linux doesn't try to hide the important bits from you—it gives you full control of your computer. But to truly master Linux, you need to understand its internals, like how the system boots, how networking works, and what the kernel actually does.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Linux Basics for Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali

Linux Basics for Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali

This practical, tutorial-style book uses the Kali Linux distribution to teach Linux basics with a focus on how hackers would use them. Topics include Linux command line basics, filesystems, networking, BASH basics, package management, logging, and the Linux kernel and drivers.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Linux Essentials

Linux Essentials

Linux Essentials, 2nd Edition provides a solid foundation of knowledge for anyone considering a career in information technology, for anyone new to the Linux operating system, and for anyone who is preparing to sit for the Linux Essentials Exam. Through this engaging resource, you can access key…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Learn Linux Quickly: A Beginner-friendly Guide to Getting Up and Running with the World's Most Powerful Operating System

Learn Linux Quickly: A Beginner-friendly Guide to Getting Up and Running with the World's Most Powerful Operating System

Linux is one of the most sought-after skills in the IT industry, with jobs involving Linux being increasingly in demand. Linux is by far the most popular operating system deployed in both public and private clouds; it is the processing power behind the majority of IoT and embedded devices. Do yo…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Linux pour les nuls

Linux pour les nuls

One of the fastest ways to learn Linux is with this perennial favoriteEight previous top-selling editions of "Linux For Dummies" can't be wrong. If you've been wanting to migrate to Linux, this book is the best way to get there. Written in easy-to-follow, everyday terms, "Linux For Dummies 9th E…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Linux in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference

Linux in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference

This updated edition offers a tighter focus on Linux system essentials, as well as more coverage of new capabilities such as virtualization, wireless network management, and revision control with git. It also highlights the most important options for using the vast number of Linux commands.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Courses to deepen your Linux skills

These days, courses are no longer a sequence of videos. They are usually accompanied by projects and a learning community, keeping you accountable and on the path.

Our experts recommend these courses, from free selections to paid programs.

Basic Introduction to Linux Course

Linux is one of the most popular operating systems today. Major tech giants, like Google, Facebook, and Amazon, rely on Linux to power their infrastructure and systems. Proficiency with Linux is in great demand within the field of IT, as shown by the substantial remuneration associated with posi…

Available on simplilearn.com

Linux Tutorials and Projects (Free)

In this course, you will learn how to:
Install an SSL Certificate on CentOS Linux and Apache
Load Balance HTTP and Web Traffic Using Nginx
Configure MySQL Master-Slave Replication on Ubuntu Linux
Hello. My name is Jason Cannon and I'm the author of Linux for Beginners, the founder of…

Available on udemy.com

Unix, Linux training

This course is designed for Software QA Testers to execute common commands like ps, grep, find, and how to start and shutdown web servers and app servers. How to use VI editor and ftp commands. Brief idea about shell script, how to write if condition and for loop. How to execute shell script and…

Available on udemy.com

LinuxFoundationX: Introduction to Open Source Networking Technologies

Learn technical fundamentals needed to adopt SDN, NFV, disaggregation, orchestration, network automation, and modern networking. Discover use cases and technical options for open networking. Plus: learn more about The Linux Foundation networking projects.

Available on edx.org

Get help with your learning journey

Learning through online courses can be challenging. Get 1:1 guidance from an experienced mentor who can help you stay accountable and answer your questions along the way.

Linux Tutorial

Linux is a robust and adaptable operating system widely used in many different environments. This free course aims at empowering you with Linux basics. The course introduces you to operating systems, and you will comprehend Linux's installation and setup, benefits, architecture, components, and …

Available on provider

Linux Fundamentals

This course is the first of a series that aims to prepare you for a role working as an information technology professional. In this course, you will be introduced to the Linux operating system. You will learn about the licensing model and several Linux distributions. We will go through some serv…

Available on coursera.org

Top Linux Certifications

Mastering the fundamentals of Linux will help you earn valuable certifications. Our expert mentors can guide you through the certification process and help strengthen your knowledge.

Linux Professional Institute LPIC-3 Mixed Environments

The LPIC-3 certification is the culmination of the multi-level professional certification program of the Linux Professional Institute (LPI). LPIC-3 is designed for the enterprise-level Linux professional and represents the highest level of professional, distribution-neutral Linux certification with…

Linux Certification Coaching

Consider reaching out to a coach specialized in Linux certifications. They can help you prepare for your exam, and provide you with the necessary resources to succeed. MentorCruise is the best place to find a coach for your Linux certification.

Linux Professional Institute LPIC-1

LPIC-1 is the first certification in the multi-level Linux professional certification program of the Linux Professional Institute (LPI). The LPIC-1 will validate the candidate’s ability to perform maintenance tasks on the command line, install and configure a computer running Linux and configure ba…

Linux Professional Institute LPIC-2

LPIC-2 is the second certification in the multi-level professional certification program of the Linux Professional Institute (LPI). The LPIC-2 will validate the candidate’s ability to administer small to medium–sized mixed networks. Prices start at $200.

Linux Professional Institute Linux Essentials

Linux adoption continues to rise world-wide as individual users, government entities and industries ranging from automotive to space exploration embrace open source technologies. This expansion of open source in enterprise is redefining traditional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) job…

Linux Professional Institute DevOps Tools Engineer

Businesses across the globe are increasingly implementing DevOps practices to optimize daily systems administration and software development tasks. As a result, businesses across industries are hiring IT professionals that can effectively apply DevOps to reduce delivery time and improve quality in …

Linux Workshop

Consider joining a workshop specialized in Linux. Workshops are a great way to learn new skills, and get hands-on experience. MentorCruise is the best place to find a workshop for your Linux certification.

Linux Professional Institute Web Development Essentials

Modern software applications are commonly developed for the Web. The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Web Development Essentials program supports your first steps in software development. It includes Learning Materials suitable for both training and self-study. Upon passing the Web Development Es…

Reach goals faster with long-term guidance

Reach goals faster with long-term guidance

One-off advice can be helpful – but partnering with a dedicated expert means faster decisions, fewer mistakes, and real momentum on your most important projects.

Save money with targeted expertise

Save money with targeted expertise

Instead of dropping thousands on bootcamps or generic tools, you get curated advice, tailored learning plans, and real accountability – all from someone who's already done what you're trying to do.

Stay on track with regular check-ins

Stay on track with regular check-ins

Weekly or monthly sessions give structure to your growth. No more second-guessing or getting stuck – just small, consistent steps toward real progress, with someone keeping you accountable.

Make confident moves with real-world feedback

Make confident moves with real-world feedback

Experts don't just answer questions – they help you practice interviews, review your resume or portfolio, and offer industry-specific insights you won't get from a course or blog post.

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