DevOps Engineer vs QA 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.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
QA Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $5,170/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 QA Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | QA Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $151,085 | DevOps $7,692 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $126,759 | DevOps $7,369 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $150,155 | DevOps $11,553 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $114,009 | DevOps $4,408 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $115,087 | DevOps $8,682 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $133,460 | DevOps $3,003 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £82,816 | DevOps $6,963 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$136,813 | DevOps $1,551 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or QA Engineer earn more?+
A QA Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $104,300/year for a QA Engineer — a difference of $5,170 (5%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or QA Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while QA Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to QA 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 QA Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.