DevOps Engineer 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.
DevOps Engineer
Automate infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud deployments.
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 $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.
DevOps Engineer vs AR/VR Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | AR/VR Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $194,489 | DevOps $51,096 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $166,830 | DevOps $47,440 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $188,885 | DevOps $50,283 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $153,759 | DevOps $44,158 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $144,495 | DevOps $38,090 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $172,806 | DevOps $42,349 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £103,650 | DevOps $27,797 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$175,134 | DevOps $39,872 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or AR/VR Developer earn more?+
A AR/VR Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $135,980/year for a AR/VR Developer — a difference of $36,850 (37%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or AR/VR Developer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while AR/VR Developer demand is growing at 38% YoY. AR/VR Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer 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 — DevOps Engineer or AR/VR Developer?+
AR/VR Developer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.