The demand for DevOps engineers in the US is increasing exponentially, thanks to the growing number of tech organizations. You might come across individuals seeking the DevOps engineer salary in the US. Why? What is DevOps? It’s a set of philosophies, strategies, tools, and practices to efficiently deliver services and applications. DevOps processes help any company evolve or upgrade its products/services to meet user requirements effectively. Technology has become the bedrock of success today.
So, DevOps engineers are in great demand. Anticipating a bright future, many youngsters pursue this field. However, when you’re on the path to becoming a DevOps professional, many aspects such as the latest DevOps trends related to responsibilities and scope in the sector help you make an informed decision. Those facets also let you know what you can do to improve your DevOps skills, whether you are a newcomer or an experienced professional. So, let’s dive deeper and find out everything related to DevOps engineering. The current salary trend in the US will be the main focus.
Who is a DevOps Engineer?
Such an expert is a professional who is responsible for code deployments and delivery in collaboration with developers, system operators, and other IT staff. Right from code delivery and deployment to code updates, a DevOps engineer employs tools, procedures, and methods to stabilize needs throughout the software development process.
A typical DevOps engineer owns a slew of responsibilities in his position. The professional has to manage the IT infrastructure that allows software codes to run swiftly. DevOps engineers have to provide resources and decide on a suitable deployment strategy. Additionally, they employ a testing procedure for each release validation and monitor performance after the release. Result analysis, problem debugging, and communication with software developers and IT staff are the key responsibilities of a DevOps engineer. Let’s now check the compensation for these experts.
What is the Average Salary of DevOps Engineers in the United States?
A typical expert in the US earns $129,903 a year or $62.45 an hour. Entry-level positions begin at $109,994 annually. DevOps engineer salary in the USA for most experienced experts stands at $164,688 a year. The compensation package varies to a large extent. Various factors play a role in determining the remuneration.
Salary Based on Experience
If you carry enough experience, you can pull up a larger remuneration. But you must temper your expectations if you’re a newcomer.DevOps fresher salary is around $107,240 a year. Not bad for a beginner though! The average mid-level DevOps engineer’s salary in the US is $140,000 a year. Experienced professionals in the mid-level have an edge with a higher annual increment in their compensation. Experienced DevOps engineers are paid highly. You may expect as much as $160,000 yearly in this position.
Salary Based on City
Geography is a key factor in determining DevOps salary in the US. Maine, California, and New York offer the highest earnings. Here, DevOps engineers earn almost 10-15% more compared to other regions. For instance, those employed in California or New York earn an average pay of $150,000 a year. Professionals working in Vermont, Illinois, and Indiana cities rake in around $125,000 a year.
Salary Based on Gender
While the United States boasts of gender equality, there are differences in salary for different genders. Male DevOps engineers earn a higher compensation compared to female counterparts. While the differences aren’t always present, they’re visible in most companies. For instance, if a male DevOps professional earns $120,000 in a particular position, a female counterpart will be paid $110,000 or $115,000 for the same role.
Salary Based on Company
The bigger the brand, the higher the compensation a professional can expect. For example, A DevOps Engineer at Facebook pulls up a pay of $279,000 a year. On the other hand, the average TCS DevOps Engineer salary for experts with 2 to 5 years of experience stands at $106,000. Similarly, the compensation for a Cognizant DevOps Engineer is $129,540 a year for professionals with 2 and 7 years of experience.
Salary Based on Skills
The average salary of DevOps engineers in the USA rises as their skill set grows.
- Having proper knowledge of Development Operations can get you a job with an average salary of $125,000 a year.
- Having proper knowledge of Amazon Web Services can fetch you a job with an average salary of $130,000 per year.
- Having extra knowledge of Linux can land you a position with an average salary of $120,000 a year.
- Having a thorough knowledge of Python can get you a job with an average salary of $132,000 per year.
- Having a proper knowledge of Jenkins can earn you a position with an average salary of $140,000 a year.
A table of remuneration packages in different regions of the US
| City Name | Average Salary | National average Comparison ($125,887) |
| San Francisco | $177,122 | +29% |
| New York City | $145,479 | +13% |
| Remote | $154,333 | +18% |
| Los Angeles | $142,937 | +12% |
| Houston | $137,750 | +9% |
| Colorado | $140,667 | +11% |
| Minneapolis Saint Paul | $135,429 | +7% |
| Atlanta | $133,450 | +6% |
| Orange County | $133,929 | +6% |
| Boston | $130,307 | +3% |
Parameters on Which DevOps Engineer Salary Depends
Now that you are familiar with the skills and roles of a Development Operations engineer, you’d like to know the factors that decide the salary of these professionals. The following are the key parameters that play a significant role in determining remuneration.
Certifications
Some professionals have a short-term certification. On the other side, others complete graduation in the IT field. So, the credentials of aspirants vary to a great extent. Experts with a degree have a better chance to get higher pay than certificate holders.
Company Profile
A small organization that is just starting may not offer you a higher remuneration package. Limited resources will compel the firm to provide a lower salary. Such companies are relevant places for folks with no experience. Well-established organizations, on the other hand, hunt for topmost talent and pay much better.
Knowledge
Your level of grip is paramount. For instance, if you possess thorough knowledge, you might prove to be an invaluable asset to the company. As a result, you can command a higher compensation package. If you know little about DevOps, a firm may induct you as a trainee. However, you’ve to settle for a lower salary.
Experience
Experience matters in any sector, and the technology sector is no exception here. If you carry sufficient hands-on experience, you’ll be hired for a high-paying job. If you lack experience, you’ll have to choose entry-level DevOps jobs with a low DevOps Engineer Salary. So, try to upskill yourself and get some experience before applying for a position.
Negotiation Strategies for DevOps Engineers Seeking Higher Pay
Earning more is necessary for all of us. However, your aspirations may hit badly due to one or other reasons. Yet, there are ways to get higher compensation. It all depends on how you bargain. Following are helpful tips to negotiate a better DevOps engineer salary in US:
- Be deliberate with timing: You have the most leverage as a candidate when you’ve multiple job offers in hand. From here, you could request employers to match other offerings. So, take time and apply to multiple companies. With so many offers, you stand in a much better position to get a better compensation package for your skills.
- Focus on the company’s requirements: While negotiating for a better salary, you should understand that it ultimately boils down to what you can do for the organization. Find out what the company in question needs and tailor your resume accordingly. Highlight your skills matching the employer’s requirements in your cover letter. This simple tip can help you get hired quickly with a better DevOps engineer salary.
- Consider all perks and benefits: When assessing an offer or negotiating a raise, understand that there are various benefits beyond salary. These perks can be sign-on bonuses, medical insurance, yearly bonuses, and others. So, be reasonable enough when making a deal. If you miss out on these vital aspects, you may repent for rejecting a remunerative offer that appears to be an average one.
- Seek a transfer package: If you’re being relocated, then request a relocation package. Companies often run short of talented individuals for new offices. If you’re chosen for a new location, it means that you’re the most ideal candidate. Tap this opportunity and negotiate for a transfer package.
- Don’t share your expected or present compensation figure unless it’s important: Even if you have an excellent idea of how much your skills are worth, don’t list a specific number when discussing salary. You may likely end up with a low package while the company may be willing to offer a higher salary.
- Acquaint yourself with the industry’s and organization’s salary trends. A little bit of legwork should help out. You’d be in a better position to anticipate and negotiate for a relevant package.
- Compare your offer with the existing market data before accepting/rejecting it. The deal may look unreasonable outwardly. However, if you check the prevalent stats, you may find it more than appealing. So, make sure you review the existing market conditions before making a decision.
- Don’t insist on written offers.
- Practice beforehand: Review common contradictions and practice your tactics aloud. Such a strategy will let you rehearse for a real-world situation. As well as avoiding panic, it’ll instill confidence in your bargain. The best option to do so is to carry out mock negotiations with a friend. You can also seek some expert advice.
Bottom Line
DevOps is the bright future of the technology world, specifically in software development and deployment. Many ventures have understood its perks and are employing the technique. For these reasons, the demand for Development Operations experts is high. If you want to get into this field, get familiar with the DevOps engineer salary in the US and the roles of the position. Make an attention-grabbing DevOps resume and apply to multiple companies. If you follow the above advice, you can make a remunerative living in this sector.
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Amol Shete
Senior Software Engineer
A well-experienced DevOps engineer who loves to discuss cloud, DevOps, and Kubernetes. An energetic team player with great communication & interpersonal skills.
FAQ's
First of all, earn a master’s or a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. While having such a degree is a perk, even certificate courses come in handy if you possess a thorough understanding of DevOps.
Besides technicalities, you should have some soft skills such as patience and communication. On many occasions, you might face stressful scenarios during a project. Exercising patience is the key to making sure the job is properly executed. Additionally, you must ensure a seamless flow of communication between development and operations teams.
Above all, you should know how to plan a project, accumulate the necessary resources, and tackle different teams for speedy software development and delivery.
Yes! These professionals are in great demand. DevOps experts are highly sought-after experts in the technology space because of their multiple skills related to software development and management. To that end, the BLS predicts a 25% growth rate in the demand for these positions between 2021 and 2031.
While the demand for DevOps professionals is high in every nation, the United States pays the highest salary. You can expect a median compensation of $120,000 a year in the US. Canada and England follow the second spot with an average DevOps engineer salary of $110,000 a year.
