DevOps Engineer vs Chief Information Security Officer: 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.
Chief Information Security Officer
Lead the organisation's information security strategy, risk management, and compliance.
Chief Information Security Officer earns more on average — the national median is $124,757/year (126%) 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 Chief Information Security Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Chief Information Security Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $320,316 | DevOps $176,923 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $271,627 | DevOps $152,237 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $310,977 | DevOps $172,375 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $253,467 | DevOps $143,866 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $242,035 | DevOps $135,630 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $284,431 | DevOps $153,974 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £178,031 | DevOps $102,178 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$301,014 | DevOps $165,752 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Chief Information Security Officer earn more?+
A Chief Information Security Officer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $223,887/year for a Chief Information Security Officer — a difference of $124,757 (126%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Chief Information Security Officer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Chief Information Security Officer demand is growing at 30% YoY. Chief Information Security Officer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Chief Information Security Officer?+
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 Chief Information Security Officer?+
Chief Information Security Officer has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.