Denote the set of n ${ imes}$ n complex Hermitian matrices by Hn. A pair of n ${ imes}$ n Hermitian matrices (A, B) is said to be rank-additive if rank (A+B) = rank A+rank B. We characterize the linear maps from Hn into itself that preserve the set of rank-additive pairs. As applications, the linear preservers of adjoint matrix on Hn and the Jordan homomorphisms of Hn are also given. The analogous problems on the skew Hermitian matrix space are considered.