DevOps Engineer vs Developer Advocate: 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.
Developer Advocate
Bridge the gap between technical products and developer communities.
Developer Advocate earns more on average — the national median is $17,450/year (18%) 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 Developer Advocate — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Developer Advocate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $166,104 | DevOps $22,711 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $141,893 | DevOps $22,503 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $166,434 | DevOps $27,832 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $126,610 | DevOps $17,009 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $124,265 | DevOps $17,860 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $150,004 | DevOps $19,547 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £89,845 | DevOps $13,992 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$151,255 | DevOps $15,993 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Developer Advocate earn more?+
A Developer Advocate earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $116,580/year for a Developer Advocate — a difference of $17,450 (18%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Developer Advocate?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Developer Advocate demand is growing at 18% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Developer Advocate?+
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 Developer Advocate?+
Developer Advocate has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.