Software Engineer vs DevOps Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
DevOps Engineer
Automate infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud deployments.
DevOps Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $2,147/year (1%) higher than a Software Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs DevOps Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | DevOps Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $240,759 | $246,497 | Software $5,738 |
| New York, NY | $208,353 | $219,393 | Software $11,040 |
| Seattle, WA | $202,359 | $206,055 | Software $3,696 |
| Austin, TX | $159,836 | $163,838 | Software $4,002 |
| Chicago, IL | $172,147 | $170,018 | Software +$2,129 |
| Boston, MA | $202,539 | $208,331 | Software $5,792 |
| London, UK | £109,470 | £108,601 | Software +$869 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$188,669 | CA$192,814 | Software $4,145 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or DevOps Engineer earn more?+
A DevOps Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $145,641/year, compared to $147,788/year for a DevOps Engineer — a difference of $2,147 (1%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or DevOps Engineer?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while DevOps Engineer demand is growing at 28% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to DevOps Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Software Engineer or DevOps Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.