DevOps Engineer vs Product Designer: 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.
Product Designer
Design end-to-end product experiences across digital touchpoints.
Product Designer earns more on average — the national median is $4,870/year (5%) 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 Product Designer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Product Designer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $152,323 | DevOps $8,930 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $124,352 | DevOps $4,962 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $152,056 | DevOps $13,454 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $119,558 | DevOps $9,957 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $109,818 | DevOps $3,413 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $139,034 | DevOps $8,577 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £83,576 | DevOps $7,723 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$134,572 | DevOps +$690 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Product Designer earn more?+
A Product Designer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $104,000/year for a Product Designer — a difference of $4,870 (5%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Product Designer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Product Designer demand is growing at 22% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Product Designer?+
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 Product Designer?+
Product Designer has a lower AI automation risk (36% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.