DevOps Engineer vs UX Designer: 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.
UX Designer
Design intuitive user experiences through research and prototyping.
UX Designer earns more on average — the national median is $4,870/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 UX Designer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | UX Designer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $151,252 | DevOps $7,859 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $122,423 | DevOps $3,033 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $150,553 | DevOps $11,951 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $117,269 | DevOps $7,668 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $112,927 | DevOps $6,522 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $131,883 | DevOps $1,426 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £82,676 | DevOps $6,823 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$137,578 | DevOps $2,316 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or UX Designer earn more?+
A UX Designer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $104,000/year for a UX Designer — a difference of $4,870 (5%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or UX Designer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while UX Designer demand is growing at 20% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to UX Designer?+
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 UX Designer?+
UX Designer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.