Full Stack 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.
Full Stack Developer
Build both frontend and backend of web applications.
DevOps Engineer
Automate infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud deployments.
Full Stack 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.
Full Stack Developer vs DevOps Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Full Stack Developer | DevOps Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $198,461 | $143,393 | Full +$55,068 |
| New York, NY | $159,461 | $119,390 | Full +$40,071 |
| Seattle, WA | $190,473 | $138,602 | Full +$51,871 |
| Austin, TX | $150,833 | $109,601 | Full +$41,232 |
| Chicago, IL | $146,057 | $106,405 | Full +$39,652 |
| Boston, MA | $175,364 | $130,457 | Full +$44,907 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £75,853 | Full $1,911 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$135,262 | Full $9,110 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Full Stack Developer or DevOps Engineer earn more?+
A Full Stack Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Full Stack 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 — Full Stack Developer or DevOps Engineer?+
Full Stack Developer roles are growing at 24% YoY while DevOps Engineer demand is growing at 28% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Full Stack Developer to DevOps Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: AWS.
Which is harder to automate — Full Stack Developer or DevOps Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 46%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.