Data Analyst
$84,375
avg. annual salary
Data Analyst
pays more on average
Devops Engineer
$82,700
avg. annual salary
As the tech industry continues to evolve, both Data Analysts and DevOps Engineers play crucial roles in organizations. Understanding the salary landscape for these two professions can help you identify which career path aligns best with your skills and aspirations. In this guide, we’ll compare the salaries of Data Analysts and DevOps Engineers in 2025, delve into the benefits associated with each role, and outline potential career paths. Whether you're just starting out or looking to switch fields, you’ll gain valuable insights into what you can expect in terms of compensation, job responsibilities, and growth opportunities in both fields.
Salary by Experience Level
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (2%)
Salary Overview
In 2025, Data Analysts earn an average salary of $80,000, while DevOps Engineers command an average salary of $115,000. These figures reflect a striking difference in compensation, influenced by the technical skill sets and industry demand for each role.
Salary by Experience Level
Data Analysts typically earn between $60,000 – $100,000 based on experience. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000, while senior roles can exceed $100,000.
In contrast, DevOps Engineers usually see salaries range from $90,000 for entry-level roles to $140,000 or more for experienced professionals. This highlights the higher earning potential in DevOps as technical demands increase.
Benefits Comparison
Both Data Analysts and DevOps Engineers enjoy various benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Additionally, DevOps Engineers may receive bonuses and stock options due to higher demand in tech companies.
On the other hand, Data Analysts may find more opportunities for professional development and training, especially in analytical tools and software.
Career Paths
Career progression for Data Analysts often leads to roles such as Data Scientist or Business Intelligence Analyst. Conversely, DevOps Engineers may advance to positions like DevOps Manager or Tech Lead.
Both roles require constant learning and adaptability, contributing to ongoing career growth.
Factors Influencing Salary
Several factors can affect salaries, including geographic location, industry type, and individual skill sets. Data Analysts in large metropolitan areas often earn higher salaries.
Similarly, DevOps Engineers working in technology hubs can expect premium wages due to higher living costs and competition for talent.
Detailed Comparison: Data Analyst vs DevOps Engineer (2025)
### Base pay and total comp
- •Data Analyst: Entry-level $55k–$75k; mid $75k–$95k; senior $95k–$130k. Typical bonus 0–10% and limited equity at small firms. Example: mid-level analyst in Chicago — ~$85k base + $3k bonus.
- •DevOps Engineer: Entry-level $80k–$110k; mid $110k–$140k; senior $140k–$200k+. Bonus 5–20% and RSUs common at larger tech firms (often $10k–$50k annualized).
### Role drivers
- •Data Analysts focus on reporting, SQL, Python, BI tools (Tableau, Power BI). Value is measured by dashboards and cost-savings projects (e.g., cutting $200k/year in waste).
- •DevOps Engineers manage CI/CD, cloud infra (AWS/GCP/Azure), automation, and on-call reliability. Value is measured by uptime, deployment frequency, and incident MTTR reductions.
Actionable takeaway: If you prioritize faster pay growth and equity, DevOps typically pays more; for lower barriers to entry and analytical work, Data Analyst is a solid choice.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between the Two
### Compensation components to evaluate
- •Base vs total comp: DevOps roles often include 10–30% of compensation in equity and bonuses; analysts more often get smaller cash bonuses.
- •Location: Expect +15–30% in Bay Area; NYC adds roughly +10–20%; remote roles vary.
### Skill investment and pay impact
- •Certifications: AWS/Azure certs can raise DevOps pay by ~8–20%; Tableau/Looker certifications can bump analyst pay by ~5–12%.
- •Experience: Each 3–5 years of relevant experience can move pay to the next band (e.g., mid → senior).
### Lifestyle and advancement
- •On-call and incident pressure are common for DevOps; expect occasional nights/rotations but higher pay.
- •Analysts may have steadier hours and clearer paths into product management or data science.
Actionable takeaway: Ask recruiters for total comp breakdown, on-call expectations, and typical annual equity grants before deciding.