DevOps Engineer vs AI Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
DevOps Engineer
Automate infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud deployments.
AI Engineer
Build AI-powered products and integrate LLMs into applications.
AI Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $21,100/year (21%) higher than a DevOps Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
DevOps Engineer vs AI Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | AI Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $173,327 | DevOps $29,934 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $135,980 | DevOps $16,590 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $173,703 | DevOps $35,101 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $137,883 | DevOps $28,282 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $129,960 | DevOps $23,555 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $159,072 | DevOps $28,615 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £78,216 | DevOps $2,363 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$134,265 | DevOps +$997 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or AI Engineer earn more?+
A AI Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $120,230/year for a AI Engineer — a difference of $21,100 (21%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or AI Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while AI Engineer demand is growing at 55% YoY. AI Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to AI 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 — DevOps Engineer or AI Engineer?+
AI Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.