Linux Engineer: Career Path

The Linux Engineer role is a critical position within IT infrastructure, responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining Linux systems and networks. This role demands a deep understanding of Linux operating systems and their applications in a variety of environments. Linux Engineers are often at the forefront of innovation, ensuring system stability and efficiency.

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What does the Linux Engineer career path entail?

Pursuing a career as a Linux Engineer can be incredibly rewarding for those passionate about technology and open-source software. With the increasing reliance on Linux systems in enterprise environments, demand for skilled Linux Engineers continues to grow. This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and contribute to important projects. Moreover, Linux Engineers are often at the heart of systems administration and network management, providing a crucial service to organizations. The field offers a myriad of opportunities for specialization, from cybersecurity to cloud computing. Additionally, the open-source nature of Linux fosters a vibrant community and culture of continuous learning and sharing. A career as a Linux Engineer can also provide significant job stability and opportunities for professional growth.

Best books to explore the Linux career path.

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

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.

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.

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 information in a learning-by-doing style. Hands-on tutorials and end-of-chapter exercises and revie…

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 you use a mobile device that runs on Android? Even Android is a Linux distribution.

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 Edition" gets you started by concentrating on two distributions of Linux that beginners love: the Ubu…

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.

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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 positio…

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 the Linux Trai…

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 mo…

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.

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 fea…

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 service…

Top Linux Certifications

Understanding all core concepts of Linux is key to claiming your next certificate. If you need help brushing up on your skills, consider reaching out to one of our mentors.

Linux Professional Institute LPIC-3 Mixed Environments

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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 w…

Linux Certification Coaching

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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. Here are a few top picks:

Linux Professional Institute LPIC-1

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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…

Linux Professional Institute LPIC-2

Hosted by lpi.org

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

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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) …

Linux Professional Institute DevOps Tools Engineer

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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 …

Linux Workshop

Hosted by mentorcruise.com

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. Here are a few top picks:

Linux Professional Institute Web Development Essentials

Hosted by lpi.org

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…

Get the guidance you need on the Linux Engineer career path

There is no better source of accountability and motivation than having a personal mentor. What used to be impossible to find is now just two clicks away! All mentors are vetted & hands-on!

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I've spent a good chunk of my career mentoring folks through various stages of their professional journeys. It's been a rewarding ride, helping many individuals land great jobs and ace interviews, while also supporting others in making career shifts, revamping portfolios, and successfully completing Machine Learning and Deep Learning projects …

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I am a Staff Software Engineer with full-stack development experience with a backend bias with 6+ years of experience. I have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a postgraduate diploma in Wireless and Mobile Technologies. I'm just a super nerd passionate about solving problems with technology one line of …

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10+ year industry veteran with experience in working with major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) and open source contributions to Terraform and Ansible. If you are looking for practical real world experience then you have found the right mentor! This will be a fully hands on mentorship, roll your sleeves …

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I am currently working in the Silicon Valley and am targeting mentees who are looking to transition to tech from a non-tech background. I myself made a pivot to it by studying Bioinformatics and subsequently acquiring positions in Software Test and now DevOps/SRE/Infrastructure. If you're seeking help/guidance with making a …

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Hello w0rld! I am an information security geek with more than twenty years of experience in the field as a penetration tester, technical consultant, advisor, team lead and PCI DSS Auditor, in the UK, Denmark and Greece. I am very interested in music, animal welfare, philosophy and health. I currently …

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Community leader and CNCF ambassador, Alessandro has spent the last few years building cloud native infrastructures for Microsoft customers, animating the Dutch community, and training others to pass the CKx exams. He has passion for all things cloud native, he's been around open source for 25 years and still passionate …

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Growing into a Senior Linux Engineer role pays off – $30,000 up to per year.

Not only is the progression from individual Linux Engineer to a Senior role a natural progression, it also makes all the difference in your average salary.

On a global average, Senior Linux Engineer receive a $30,000 salary hike over entry-level Linux Engineers when they go from individual contributor to senior personnel.

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Get the help you need & advance your career

A career as a Linux Engineer offers the chance to work on challenging and exciting projects in a field that is constantly evolving. With strong demand and opportunities for advancement, it's an excellent choice for tech enthusiasts looking to make a significant impact. If you're passionate about Linux and open-source technology, this role could be the perfect fit for you.