An electric linear actuator has a housing extending along a longitudinal axis. A spindle is provided in the housing and extends along the longitudinal axis. A rod is coaxially coupled to the spindle and extends from a proximal end located in the housing to a distal end located outside the housing. The rod is movable along the longitudinal axis in response to rotation of the spindle. A circuit board is located in the housing adjacent the proximal end of the rod. The circuit board includes a linear inductive sensor having a linear axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis. The linear inductive sensor senses an actual position of the proximal end of the rod.