DevOps Engineer vs SOC Analyst: 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.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
DevOps Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $27,130/year (38%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
DevOps Engineer vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $105,392 | DevOps +$38,001 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $140,470 | DevOps $21,080 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $101,114 | DevOps +$37,488 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $81,440 | DevOps +$28,161 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $76,392 | DevOps +$30,013 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $94,913 | DevOps +$35,544 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £57,665 | DevOps +$18,188 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$93,306 | DevOps +$41,956 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A DevOps Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $27,130 (38%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or SOC Analyst?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to SOC Analyst?+
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 SOC Analyst?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.