Developer Advocate vs AR/VR Developer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Developer Advocate
Bridge the gap between technical products and developer communities.
AR/VR Developer
Build augmented and virtual reality experiences for gaming, enterprise, and training.
AR/VR Developer earns more on average — the national median is $19,400/year (17%) higher than a Developer Advocate. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Developer Advocate vs AR/VR Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Developer Advocate | AR/VR Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $166,104 | $194,489 | Developer $28,385 |
| New York, NY | $141,893 | $166,830 | Developer $24,937 |
| Seattle, WA | $166,434 | $188,885 | Developer $22,451 |
| Austin, TX | $126,610 | $153,759 | Developer $27,149 |
| Chicago, IL | $124,265 | $144,495 | Developer $20,230 |
| Boston, MA | $150,004 | $172,806 | Developer $22,802 |
| London, UK | £89,845 | £103,650 | Developer $13,805 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$151,255 | CA$175,134 | Developer $23,879 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Developer Advocate or AR/VR Developer earn more?+
A AR/VR Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Developer Advocate is $116,580/year, compared to $135,980/year for a AR/VR Developer — a difference of $19,400 (17%).
Which has better career growth — Developer Advocate or AR/VR Developer?+
Developer Advocate roles are growing at 18% YoY while AR/VR Developer demand is growing at 38% YoY. AR/VR Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Developer Advocate to AR/VR Developer?+
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 — Developer Advocate or AR/VR Developer?+
Developer Advocate has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 28%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.