DevOps Engineer Salary in 2026
DevOps engineers bridge development and operations, automating deployment pipelines and managing cloud infrastructure. They ensure system reliability, scalability, and continuous delivery.
Median Salary
$135,000
$11,250/mo
Entry Level
$87,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$177,000
experienced
Job Growth
+22%
10-yr outlook
DevOps Engineer Overview
DevOps engineers bridge development and operations, automating deployment pipelines and managing cloud infrastructure. They ensure system reliability, scalability, and continuous delivery.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
3-5 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
120K
5-Year Growth
+24%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$64.90/hr
Monthly Pay
$11,250
DevOps Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated DevOps Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated DevOps Engineer Salary
$146,000
$12,167/month · $5,615/biweekly · $70.19/hr
DevOps Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the DevOps Engineer field.
Entry-level DevOps Engineers earn around $87,000, while the top 10% earn $188,500 or more.
Top Paying States for DevOps Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $159,000 | +$24,000 |
| New York | $155,000 | +$20,000 |
| Washington | $151,000 | +$16,000 |
| Virginia | $143,000 | +$8,000 |
| Texas | $132,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for DevOps Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $169,000 | +$34,000 |
| New York | $159,000 | +$24,000 |
| Washington DC | $155,000 | +$20,000 |
| Seattle | $154,000 | +$19,000 |
| Austin | $139,000 | +$4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
DevOps Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a DevOps Engineer from entry level to expert.
$87,000
0-2 years
$132,000
3-7 years
$177,000
8-14 years
$200,000
15+ years
Related Technology Jobs
DevOps Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a DevOps Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a DevOps Engineer in the United States is $135,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $87,000, while senior professionals earn up to $177,000. Top earners in the field can make $200,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a DevOps Engineer?
A DevOps Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 3-5 years of experience. Key skills include AWS, Docker, Kubernetes. Relevant certifications such as AWS DevOps Engineer or Certified Kubernetes Administrator can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for DevOps Engineers?
The job market for DevOps Engineers is projected to grow by 22% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 120K DevOps Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 24%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay DevOps Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for DevOps Engineers include California, Washington, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $159,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my DevOps Engineer salary?
To increase your DevOps Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like AWS and Docker. Pursue certifications such as AWS DevOps Engineer. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 3-5 years of experience, you can progress from $87,000 to $177,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — DevOps Engineer Salary
How we calculate DevOps Engineer salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $135,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to DevOps Engineer in the Technology sector.
- Entry-level ($87,000) and senior-level ($177,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +22% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 120K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 24% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Technology sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $135,000.
Authoritative US data sources for DevOps Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — DevOps Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Technology
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: DevOps Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (AWS, Docker, Kubernetes), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.