Site Reliability Engineer vs IT Support Specialist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Site Reliability Engineer
Ensure platform reliability, scalability, and uptime at scale.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Site Reliability Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $37,270/year (60%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Site Reliability Engineer vs IT Support Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Site Reliability Engineer | IT Support Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $142,771 | $92,808 | Site +$49,963 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $72,917 | Site +$46,473 |
| Seattle, WA | $137,435 | $86,967 | Site +$50,468 |
| Austin, TX | $112,635 | $69,244 | Site +$43,391 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,126 | $64,877 | Site +$43,249 |
| Boston, MA | $129,849 | $79,215 | Site +$50,634 |
| London, UK | £79,751 | £47,998 | Site +$31,753 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,006 | CA$84,196 | Site +$50,810 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Site Reliability Engineer or IT Support Specialist earn more?+
A Site Reliability Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Site Reliability Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $61,860/year for a IT Support Specialist — a difference of $37,270 (60%).
Which has better career growth — Site Reliability Engineer or IT Support Specialist?+
Site Reliability Engineer roles are growing at 27% YoY while IT Support Specialist demand is growing at 5% YoY. Site Reliability Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Site Reliability Engineer to IT Support Specialist?+
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 — Site Reliability Engineer or IT Support Specialist?+
Site Reliability Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.