DevOps Engineer vs Embedded 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.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Develop firmware and software for embedded hardware and IoT devices.
Embedded Systems Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $36,850/year (37%) 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 Embedded Systems Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Embedded Systems Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $202,193 | DevOps $58,800 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $161,501 | DevOps $42,111 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $194,146 | DevOps $55,544 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $153,569 | DevOps $43,968 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $147,632 | DevOps $41,227 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $180,677 | DevOps $50,220 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £107,963 | DevOps $32,110 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$182,205 | DevOps $46,943 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Embedded Systems Engineer earn more?+
A Embedded Systems Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $135,980/year for a Embedded Systems Engineer — a difference of $36,850 (37%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Embedded Systems Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Embedded Systems Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Embedded 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 Embedded Systems Engineer?+
Embedded Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.