Devops Engineer
$100,000
avg. annual salary
Cloud Engineer
pays more on average
Cloud Engineer
$103,138
avg. annual salary
The demand for technology professionals continues to grow, particularly in roles like DevOps Engineer and Cloud Engineer. Both positions play a crucial role in the tech landscape, focusing on different aspects of software development, infrastructure, and deployment. As organizations shift to cloud-based solutions, understanding the salary differences and career paths between these two roles becomes essential for aspiring professionals. In this guide, we will explore the average salaries, benefits, and future career trajectories for both DevOps Engineers and Cloud Engineers. Whether you are considering a career change or just curious about salary trends, this comparison will provide you with valuable insights.
Salary by Experience Level
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (3%)
Average Salary Comparison
As of 2025, the average salary for a DevOps Engineer is approximately $110,000 per year, while Cloud Engineers earn around $115,000 annually. Both salaries can vary based on experience level, geographic location, and the specific technologies used.
DevOps Engineers often focus on automation and integration between development and operations, whereas Cloud Engineers specialize in cloud service infrastructure and deployment. This slight difference in focus contributes to variations in their respective salaries.
Salary by Experience Level
1. Entry-Level: DevOps Engineers typically earn between $70,000 - $85,000, while entry-level Cloud Engineers make around $75,000 - $90,000.
2. Mid-Level: With a few years of experience, DevOps Engineers can earn $100,000 - $120,000, whereas Mid-Level Cloud Engineers see salaries from $105,000 - $125,000.
3. Senior-Level: Senior DevOps Engineers make upwards of $130,000, while Senior Cloud Engineers can command around $135,000+ depending on specific expertise.
Factors Affecting Salaries
Several factors impact the salaries of both DevOps Engineers and Cloud Engineers. These include: 1.
Location: Salaries can vary significantly based on the cost of living in different cities or regions. For instance, professionals in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York often earn higher salaries.
2. Company Size: Larger corporations typically offer better pay and benefits compared to startups or small businesses.
3. Skills and Certifications: Specialized skills in platforms like AWS, Azure, or Docker can increase earning potential.
4. Industry: Certain industries, such as finance or healthcare, tend to pay more due to the complexities involved.
Benefits Beyond Salary
In addition to base salaries, both roles often come with extensive benefits. These may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and learning opportunities.
Companies increasingly recognize the importance of work-life balance, offering remote work options and flexible schedules. Moreover, professional development programs, including certifications and training, are frequently available to help you advance your career.
Career Path Outlook
Both DevOps and Cloud Engineers have promising career paths. With the growing reliance on cloud infrastructure, Cloud Engineers are expected to see significant demand in the coming years.
DevOps Engineers, on the other hand, will continue to be critical as organizations seek to streamline their development processes. Advancing to roles such as Cloud Architect or DevOps Manager can result in higher salaries and greater responsibilities.
Detailed Comparison
Salary ranges (U. S.
, 2025 estimates): DevOps Engineer $100k–$190k, Cloud Engineer $95k–$185k. Entry-level DevOps often starts 5–10% higher because employers pay for CI/CD and automation skills.
For example, a junior DevOps in Austin may earn $95k versus $88k for a junior Cloud Engineer. In the senior band, DevOps roles that include platform ownership and on-call duties hit $170k–$190k; Cloud Engineers focused on architecture and cost optimization sit at $160k–$185k.
Key pay drivers:
- •Location: Bay Area premiums add ~20–30% (DevOps median ~$170k, Cloud ~$160k).
- •Industry: Finance and healthcare typically pay +10–20% compared with education or nonprofits.
- •Skills & certs: Kubernetes, Terraform, Python, AWS/GCP/Azure certifications can boost pay by 8–15%.
Concrete example: a mid-level Cloud Engineer with AWS Solutions Architect Pro + Terraform in New York can expect ~$140k–$155k.
Actionable takeaways: target a high-paying industry, certify in one cloud and Terraform/K8s, and document measurable cost or deployment improvements to negotiate +10–20%.