DevOps Engineer vs Data 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.
Data Engineer
Build and maintain data pipelines, warehouses, and ETL infrastructure.
Data Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $40,370/year (41%) 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 Data Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Data Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $202,499 | DevOps $59,106 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $131,540 | DevOps $12,150 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $105,430 | DevOps +$33,172 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $153,836 | DevOps $44,235 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $154,010 | DevOps $47,605 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $179,962 | DevOps $49,505 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £108,711 | DevOps $32,858 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$181,115 | DevOps $45,853 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Data Engineer earn more?+
A Data Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $139,500/year for a Data Engineer — a difference of $40,370 (41%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Data Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Data Engineer demand is growing at 34% YoY. Data Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Data 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 Data Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.