DevOps Engineer vs Systems Administrator: 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.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
DevOps Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
DevOps Engineer vs Systems Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Systems Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $146,173 | DevOps $2,780 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $120,157 | DevOps $767 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $143,912 | DevOps $5,310 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $108,712 | DevOps +$889 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $104,809 | DevOps +$1,596 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $127,175 | DevOps +$3,282 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £76,827 | DevOps $974 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$130,867 | DevOps +$4,395 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Systems Administrator earn more?+
A DevOps Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $99,130/year for a Systems Administrator — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Systems Administrator?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Systems Administrator demand is growing at 4% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Systems Administrator?+
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 Systems Administrator?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.