DevOps Engineer vs Software Engineer: Salary Comparison
Software Engineers earn $9K more per year than DevOps Engineers on average.
Data from BLS · Last updated April 2025
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DevOps Engineer | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,000 | $124,200 |
| Entry Level | $80,000 | $85,000 |
| Senior Level | $165,000 | $180,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $55/hr | $60/hr |
| Education | Bachelor's in Computer Science | Bachelor's in Computer Science |
| Category | Technology | Technology |
Which Pays More?
On average, Software Engineers earn $9K more per year than DevOps Engineers, with a median salary of $124,200 versus $115,000. However, compensation varies significantly by experience, location, and specialization. A senior DevOps Engineer in a high-paying state like California or New York can earn $214,500 or more — exceeding the median for a junior Software Engineer. Education and credentials also play a role: Software Engineers typically require Bachelor's in Computer Science, while DevOps Engineers need Bachelor's in Computer Science. Both careers offer strong long-term growth, but if maximizing starting salary is the priority, Software Engineer has the edge.
Top 5 Paying States
| State | DevOps Engineer | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $163,000 | $176,000 |
| California | $159,000 | $171,000 |
| New York | $147,000 | $159,000 |
| Alaska | $144,000 | $155,000 |
| Massachusetts | $144,000 | $155,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DevOps Engineer or Software Engineer pay more?
Software Engineer pays more on average at $124,200/year, compared to $115,000/year for DevOps Engineer — a difference of $9,200/year.
What is the salary difference between DevOps Engineer and Software Engineer?
The median salary gap is $9,200/year ($9K), with Software Engineer earning more. This gap can widen or narrow depending on location, employer size, and years of experience.
Which career grows faster in pay, DevOps Engineer or Software Engineer?
DevOps Engineer grows from $80,000 to $165,000 (a $85,000 increase). Software Engineer grows from $85,000 to $180,000 (a $95,000 increase). Software Engineer shows larger absolute pay growth over a career.
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