Frontend Developer vs DevOps Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Frontend Developer
Build user interfaces and web experiences using modern frameworks.
DevOps Engineer
Automate infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud deployments.
Frontend Developer earns more on average — the national median is $36,850/year (37%) higher than a DevOps Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Frontend Developer vs DevOps Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Frontend Developer | DevOps Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $192,184 | $143,393 | Frontend +$48,791 |
| New York, NY | $161,096 | $119,390 | Frontend +$41,706 |
| Seattle, WA | $196,031 | $138,602 | Frontend +$57,429 |
| Austin, TX | $148,203 | $109,601 | Frontend +$38,602 |
| Chicago, IL | $141,696 | $106,405 | Frontend +$35,291 |
| Boston, MA | $178,445 | $130,457 | Frontend +$47,988 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £75,853 | Frontend $1,911 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$135,262 | Frontend $9,110 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Frontend Developer or DevOps Engineer earn more?+
A Frontend Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Frontend Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $99,130/year for a DevOps Engineer — a difference of $36,850 (37%).
Which has better career growth — Frontend Developer or DevOps Engineer?+
Frontend Developer roles are growing at 22% YoY while DevOps Engineer demand is growing at 28% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Frontend Developer to DevOps Engineer?+
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 — Frontend Developer or DevOps Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 44%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.