DevOps Engineer vs Program 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.
Program Manager
Coordinate multiple related projects to achieve strategic objectives.
Program Manager earns more on average — the national median is $3,190/year (3%) 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 Program Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Program Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $151,275 | DevOps $7,882 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $124,570 | DevOps $5,180 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $144,148 | DevOps $5,546 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $113,017 | DevOps $3,416 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $111,506 | DevOps $5,101 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $136,287 | DevOps $5,830 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £81,547 | DevOps $5,694 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$139,548 | DevOps $4,286 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Program Manager earn more?+
A Program Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $102,320/year for a Program Manager — a difference of $3,190 (3%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Program Manager?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Program Manager demand is growing at 15% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Program 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 Program Manager?+
Program Manager has a lower AI automation risk (36% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.