DevOps Engineer vs Web Developer: 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.
Web Developer
Build and maintain websites and web applications.
Web Developer 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 Web Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Web Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $147,801 | DevOps $4,408 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $122,892 | DevOps $3,502 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $148,827 | DevOps $10,225 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $113,006 | DevOps $3,405 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $113,802 | DevOps $7,397 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $134,947 | DevOps $4,490 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £80,939 | DevOps $5,086 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$138,013 | DevOps $2,751 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Web Developer earn more?+
A Web Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $104,000/year for a Web Developer — a difference of $4,870 (5%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Web Developer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Web Developer demand is growing at 16% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer to Web Developer?+
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 Web Developer?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.