DevOps Engineer vs Software Engineer salary
In United States, a devops engineer earns about 15% more than a software engineer — $157,000 vs $136,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
DevOps Engineer$157,000/yr
- Monthly
- $13,100
- Hourly
- $75
- Range
- $100,500–$226,100
- 10-yr outlook
- +21%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | DevOps Engineer | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $100,500 | $87,000 |
| 25th | $128,700 | $111,500 |
| Median | $157,000 | $136,000 |
| 75th | $191,500 | $165,900 |
| Senior (90th) | $226,100 | $195,800 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a devops engineer or software engineer earn more in United States?
- A devops engineer earns more, at about $157,000 per year vs $136,000 for a software engineer — roughly 15% ($21,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A devops engineer typically earns $100,500–$226,100, while a software engineer earns $87,000–$195,800 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a devops engineer averages about $13,100 and a software engineer about $11,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a devops engineer earns about $100,500 while a software engineer earns about $87,000 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a devops engineer earns about $226,100 while a software engineer earns about $195,800 per year.
- Are devops engineer and software engineer similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.