DevOps Engineer vs Game Developer: 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.
Game Developer
Build video games for PC, console, and mobile platforms.
Game Developer 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 Game Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Game Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $193,262 | DevOps $49,869 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $160,244 | DevOps $40,854 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $191,791 | DevOps $53,189 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $153,586 | DevOps $43,985 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $149,561 | DevOps $43,156 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $175,129 | DevOps $44,672 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £103,778 | DevOps $27,925 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$181,136 | DevOps $45,874 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Game Developer earn more?+
A Game Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $135,980/year for a Game Developer — a difference of $36,850 (37%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Game Developer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Game Developer demand is growing at 14% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Game Developer?+
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 Game Developer?+
Game Developer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.