DevOps Engineer vs Network 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.
Network Engineer
Design, implement, and manage computer network infrastructure.
Network Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $34,920/year (35%) 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 Network Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Network Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $195,491 | DevOps $52,098 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $165,772 | DevOps $46,382 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $192,889 | DevOps $54,287 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $149,704 | DevOps $40,103 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $145,221 | DevOps $38,816 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $176,955 | DevOps $46,498 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £106,873 | DevOps $31,020 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$177,211 | DevOps $41,949 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Network Engineer earn more?+
A Network Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $134,050/year for a Network Engineer — a difference of $34,920 (35%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Network Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Network Engineer demand is growing at 6% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Network 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 Network Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.