The IT job market is in full force rebound, after several years of dismal job opportunities for technology workers. This, of course, is good news for IT job-seekers and not so great for the companies looking to hire them. Bottom line: The U.S. unemployment rate for tech pros is now a miniscule 3.8%, a big drop from the 5.3% of just a year ago and way below the 8.3% national unemployment rate.

But if that news isn’t sobering enough for finance folks who have to manage IT compensation and staffing, embedded in those tech employment stats is an even more sobering piece of news: Use of Linux systems is growing because of its affordability and accessibility.

Because of this, companies everywhere need trained Linux professionals, and they need them now.

A comprehensive survey from the IT employment experts at Dice who partnered with the Linux Foundation surveyed 2,000 hiring managers at corporations, small and medium businesses (SMBs), government organizations and staffing agencies about Linux use and hiring. The combination of Dice’s network of tech-focused hiring managers and The Linux Foundation’s access to Linux-specific employers turned up the following trends:

• Demand for Linux talent is on the rise, but finding those professionals is difficult. Eight in 10 (81%) survey respondents say that hiring Linux talent is a priority in 2012. This pressing matter is particularly evident when Linux demand is compared to hiring in other skill sets: 63% of hiring managers are increasing Linux hires relative to jobs created in other skill areas. The issue? A full 85% say finding Linux talent is somewhat to very difficult, making Linux professionals some of the most sought talent in 2012.

• Companies are making significant investments to attract and retain Linux talent. Linux professionals garner more full-time positions and better salaries, bonuses and perks. While the pay increase for tech professionals averaged just two percent in 2011, Linux professionals have seen a five percent increase in salaries year-over-year and a 15 percent jump in bonus payouts. Flexible work schedules (37%), additional training and certification programs (30%), and salary increases above the company norm (28%) are among the perks Linux gurus can expect.

• Mid-level Linux developers and system administrators are the most in-demand. Employers are seeking mostly Linux developers – 67% – and systems administrators – 55% – with varying levels of experience. Though, mid-level professionals appear to be the most highly sought: 75%of respondents say they’re looking for Linux talent with three to five years of experience.

For the full report: 2012 Linux Jobs Report

Tags: Dice, hiring, IT, Linux, Linux Foundation, report