Backend Developer vs DevOps Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Backend Developer
Build server-side APIs, databases, and business logic.
DevOps Engineer
Automate infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud deployments.
Backend Developer earns more on average — the national median is $36,850/year (37%) higher than a DevOps Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Backend Developer vs DevOps Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Backend Developer | DevOps Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,530 | $143,393 | Backend +$51,137 |
| New York, NY | $167,456 | $119,390 | Backend +$48,066 |
| Seattle, WA | $193,111 | $138,602 | Backend +$54,509 |
| Austin, TX | $151,541 | $109,601 | Backend +$41,940 |
| Chicago, IL | $146,538 | $106,405 | Backend +$40,133 |
| Boston, MA | $173,670 | $130,457 | Backend +$43,213 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £75,853 | Backend $1,911 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$135,262 | Backend $9,110 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Backend Developer or DevOps Engineer earn more?+
A Backend Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Backend Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $99,130/year for a DevOps Engineer — a difference of $36,850 (37%).
Which has better career growth — Backend Developer or DevOps Engineer?+
Backend Developer roles are growing at 22% YoY while DevOps Engineer demand is growing at 28% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Backend Developer to DevOps Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Docker.
Which is harder to automate — Backend Developer or DevOps Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.