DevOps Engineer vs Security 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.
Security Engineer
Protect systems, networks, and applications from cyber threats.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $30,050/year (30%) 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 Security Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Security Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $188,453 | DevOps $45,060 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $140,470 | DevOps $21,080 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $186,157 | DevOps $47,555 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $141,154 | DevOps $31,553 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $136,578 | DevOps $30,173 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $169,875 | DevOps $39,418 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £103,925 | DevOps $28,072 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$169,373 | DevOps $34,111 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Security Engineer earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Security Engineer — a difference of $30,050 (30%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Security Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Security Engineer demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Security 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 Security Engineer?+
Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.