Skill report · DevOps & MLOps
Linux: demand in job postings
Linux is named in 12% of the 28,652 tech job postings Mettlespark read in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days (3,327 postings), most often for Embedded Software Engineer at 50%, DevOps Engineer at 41% and Site Reliability Engineer at 40%. When a posting names it, 79% list it as required.
From 28,652 postings in the United States and Canada, April 23, 2026 to October 20, 2026. Updated October 20, 2026. How we count
- Postings naming it
- 3,32712% of all postings
- Required when named
- 79%rather than nice to have
- Senior level or above
- 55%of the postings naming it
- Time to learn
- about 35 hoursfrom zero to job-ready, Mettlespark's estimate
Over time
Its share of postings has held steady since October 2023, comparing like with like.
The roles that ask for it most
The share of each role's postings that name Linux.
| Role | Share of the role's postings |
|---|---|
| Embedded Software Engineer | |
| DevOps Engineer | |
| Site Reliability Engineer | |
| Cloud Engineer | |
| Platform Engineer | |
| Robotics Engineer | |
| Software Engineer | |
| Security Engineer |
Often asked for alongside
The share of postings naming Linux that also name each.
- Python64%
- CI/CD47%
- Git41%
- C++40%
- Kubernetes38%
- Networking38%
Industries
Where the postings naming it come from.
- Aerospace & Defense22%
- Banking & Financial Services8%
- Cybersecurity8%
- Enterprise Software & SaaS6%
Quick answers
Is Linux in demand?
Linux is named in 12% of tech job postings in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days, 3,327 postings, and required in 79% of those. Its share of postings has held steady since October 2023, comparing like with like.
Which jobs ask for Linux?
Embedded Software Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer and Cloud Engineer postings name it most often: 50% of Embedded Software Engineer postings, 41% of DevOps Engineer postings, 40% of Site Reliability Engineer postings.
What skills go with Linux?
Postings that name Linux most often also name Python, CI/CD, Git and C++.
How long does it take to learn Linux?
About 35 hours from zero to job-ready, by Mettlespark's estimate; less with the prerequisites already in hand.