DevOps Engineer vs Rust Developer: 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.
Rust Developer
Build systems-level software with memory safety using Rust.
Rust Developer earns more on average — the national median is $36,850/year (37%) 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 Rust Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Rust Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $195,079 | DevOps $51,686 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $166,830 | DevOps $47,440 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $191,304 | DevOps $52,702 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $154,567 | DevOps $44,966 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $143,868 | DevOps $37,463 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $179,869 | DevOps $49,412 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £106,048 | DevOps $30,195 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$177,835 | DevOps $42,573 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Rust Developer earn more?+
A Rust Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $135,980/year for a Rust Developer — a difference of $36,850 (37%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Rust Developer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Rust Developer demand is growing at 32% YoY. Rust Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Rust Developer?+
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 Rust Developer?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.