Developer Advocate vs IT Manager: 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.
IT Manager
Oversee IT department operations, staff, and technology strategy.
IT Manager earns more on average — the national median is $58,560/year (50%) 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 IT Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Developer Advocate | IT Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $166,104 | $260,907 | Developer $94,803 |
| New York, NY | $141,893 | $206,737 | Developer $64,844 |
| Seattle, WA | $166,434 | $253,469 | Developer $87,035 |
| Austin, TX | $126,610 | $194,345 | Developer $67,735 |
| Chicago, IL | $124,265 | $186,335 | Developer $62,070 |
| Boston, MA | $150,004 | $234,529 | Developer $84,525 |
| London, UK | £89,845 | £138,371 | Developer $48,526 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$151,255 | CA$227,074 | Developer $75,819 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Developer Advocate or IT Manager earn more?+
A IT Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Developer Advocate is $116,580/year, compared to $175,140/year for a IT Manager — a difference of $58,560 (50%).
Which has better career growth — Developer Advocate or IT Manager?+
Developer Advocate roles are growing at 18% YoY while IT Manager demand is growing at 10% YoY. Developer Advocate has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Developer Advocate to IT Manager?+
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 IT Manager?+
Developer Advocate has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.