DevOps Engineer vs IT Support Specialist: 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 Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
DevOps Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $37,270/year (60%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
DevOps Engineer vs IT Support Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | IT Support Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $92,808 | DevOps +$50,585 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $72,917 | DevOps +$46,473 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $86,967 | DevOps +$51,635 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $69,244 | DevOps +$40,357 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $64,877 | DevOps +$41,528 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $79,215 | DevOps +$51,242 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £47,998 | DevOps +$27,855 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$84,196 | DevOps +$51,066 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or IT Support Specialist earn more?+
A DevOps Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $61,860/year for a IT Support Specialist — a difference of $37,270 (60%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or IT Support Specialist?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while IT Support Specialist demand is growing at 5% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to IT Support Specialist?+
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 Support Specialist?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.