Linux Careers and Pay Potential.

Currently the demand for IT specialists in general, including for those proficient with Linux, is at one of its lowest states ever. Due to the present economic situation this is the case with many other careers as well. Despite that, the use of Linux, and other Unix-like operating systems, is expected to grow in the coming years. This is perhaps more true than ever now that there is more corporate interest in saving money by using less license fee costly alternatives to operating systems such as Microsoft's and others.

Even now, Linux skills are generally considered more worthwhile than MS Windows skills. This is partly due to Linux certifications typically being more difficult to get than Microsoft OS certifications. In order to be really attractive to potential employers all over the world it is considered very handy to have a combination of OS certifications, such as Linux and Microsoft, or Cisco and Microsoft, etc. Of course, that's nearly twice as difficult a skill set to attain, but that is why such extra certifications are so valuable.

However, such dual-OS certifications are hardly necessary, and they are certainly not typical either. Linux median yearly salaries range from about $55,000 to $95,000. Linux System Administrators and Engineers start at the lower end of that approximate pay scale. Senior System Administrators and Engineers are at the top of that pay scale. Other positions which fit somewhere in-between, but which are also more towards the top of that pay scale, are Software Engineers/Programmers and IT Managers. So, as can be seen, a Linux career has very decent income potential.