DevOps Engineer vs Data Scientist: 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 Scientist
Analyse large datasets and build predictive models to drive decisions.
Data Scientist 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 Data Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Data Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $176,777 | DevOps $33,384 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $135,980 | DevOps $16,590 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $173,186 | DevOps $34,584 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $130,733 | DevOps $21,132 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $132,415 | DevOps $26,010 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $156,115 | DevOps $25,658 |
| 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 Data Scientist earn more?+
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $120,230/year for a Data Scientist — a difference of $21,100 (21%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Data Scientist?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Data Scientist demand is growing at 36% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Data Scientist?+
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 Scientist?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.