DevOps Engineer vs IT Manager: 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.
IT Manager
Oversee IT department operations, staff, and technology strategy.
IT Manager earns more on average — the national median is $76,010/year (77%) 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 IT Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | IT Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $260,907 | DevOps $117,514 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $206,737 | DevOps $87,347 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $253,469 | DevOps $114,867 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $194,345 | DevOps $84,744 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $186,335 | DevOps $79,930 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $234,529 | DevOps $104,072 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £138,371 | DevOps $62,518 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$227,074 | DevOps $91,812 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or IT Manager earn more?+
A IT Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $175,140/year for a IT Manager — a difference of $76,010 (77%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or IT Manager?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while IT Manager demand is growing at 10% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to IT Manager?+
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 IT Manager?+
IT Manager has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.