Linux Job Openings on the Rise

eWeek, February 14

Linux know-how is topping the list of most highly sought expertise in software programming positions. A report from IT jobs specialist Dice indicates demand for Linux skills is on the rise but that finding talent is difficult. The report noted that this is leading to better salaries and bonuses for Linux professionals, as companies look to open-source IT specialists to solve their business challenges and provide growth opportunities. More than 80% of survey respondents say that hiring Linux talent is a priority in 2012. This urgency is driving a substantial increase in recruiting activity, with 47% of hiring managers expecting to add more Linux professionals to their firms in early 2012 and 63% noting Linux hires are increasing relative to jobs created in other skill areas.

Despite the growth in interest around Linux positions, a full 85% of hiring managers report having difficulty finding qualified Linux professionals to fill these positions. In an economy where contract and temp-to-hire positions have become more prevalent, Linux professionals garner more full-time positions and better salaries, bonuses and perks. While the average pay increase for tech professionals averaged just 2% in 2011, professionals with Linux skills have seen a 5% increase in salaries and a 15% jump in bonus payouts over the same timeframe. 75% of respondents cited the mid-level professional with three to five years of experience as their most-sought hires, especially those with development or systems administration skills.

Now that Linux jobs have become some of the hottest jobs in all of tech, college grads to mid-career professionals are considering how to take advantage of that opportunity. Software programming has been highly touted as a lucrative area of technology, and with the increasing use of Linux and open-source software across industries, Linux know-how is topping the list of most highly sought expertise in this area. In the last decade, there's been no tech skill that matches Linux in terms of growth in hiring requests and size of demand. As respondents point out, Linux is simply a core skill for anyone pursuing a career in software development or systems administration.

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