DevOps Engineer vs Autonomous Systems 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.
Autonomous Systems Engineer
Develop perception, planning, and control systems for autonomous vehicles and drones.
Autonomous Systems Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $55,556/year (56%) 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 Autonomous Systems Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Autonomous Systems Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $227,579 | DevOps $84,186 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $135,300 | DevOps $15,910 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $225,151 | DevOps $86,549 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $173,358 | DevOps $63,757 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $166,278 | DevOps $59,873 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $196,361 | DevOps $65,904 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £122,075 | DevOps $46,222 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$202,448 | DevOps $67,186 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Autonomous Systems Engineer earn more?+
A Autonomous Systems Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $154,686/year for a Autonomous Systems Engineer — a difference of $55,556 (56%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Autonomous Systems Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Autonomous Systems Engineer demand is growing at 42% YoY. Autonomous Systems Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Autonomous Systems 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 Autonomous Systems Engineer?+
Autonomous Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.