Linux skills are in short supply so its no surprise that the shortage is driving up the salaries offered to attract these sort after skills. A report by Dice.com, the number one technology job board, in conjunction with the Linux foundation has confirmed what many Linux system administrators already know. 

Linux Skills in High Demand

The full 2012 Linux Job report can be found here.  The report which includes responses from over 2000 hiring managers shows that for 81% of organisation hiring Linux talent is a priority with 63% saying they will be increasing the number of Linux administrators and developers in their organisations over the next 6 months. When it comes to professional development organisations are taking a mixed approach of providing learning opportunities and sending staff on on-site and off=site training courses.

Demand Highest for Mid-Level Linux System Administrators and Developers

The report reveals that demand is highest for mid-level Linux administrators and developers with 75% of respondents saying they are looking for Linux talent with 3 -5 years experience.  So to summarise the key findings:

• Demand for Linux talent is on the rise but finding peole with the right skills is difficult,
• Companies are coming up with strategies to retain skilled Linux talent,
• The mid-level Linux professional is most in demand.

Making Linux System Administration a Career Choice

So if you just finished matric and looking for a career you will be making a smart choice to choose Linux administration. If you are a company looking to obtain and retain skilled Linux talent you need to consider sending them on Linux training at different levels from intermediate to advanced Linux training to improve skills and retain these sought after professionals. 

When considering a training partner or supplier look for a partner whose training standards are of the highest quality and preferably who has been accredited with a internationally recognised body for Linux training such as  the Linux Professional Institute.