DevOps Engineer vs UX Researcher: 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 Researcher
Conduct user research to guide product design and strategy decisions.
UX Researcher 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 Researcher — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | UX Researcher | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $149,234 | DevOps $5,841 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $125,371 | DevOps $5,981 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $144,039 | DevOps $5,437 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $118,454 | DevOps $8,853 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $112,671 | DevOps $6,266 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $134,489 | DevOps $4,032 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £82,714 | DevOps $6,861 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$136,619 | DevOps $1,357 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or UX Researcher earn more?+
A UX Researcher earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $104,000/year for a UX Researcher — a difference of $4,870 (5%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or UX Researcher?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while UX Researcher demand is growing at 18% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to UX Researcher?+
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 Researcher?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.